Zinke: ‘Monuments are not Republican, Democrat, independent’

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in an interview early Monday argued that monuments in the U.S. are not aligned with any political party.

Zinke told Fox News that monuments are part of the nation’s history.

“I’m one that believes that we should learn from history, and I think our monuments are part of our country’s history,” he said on “Fox & Friends.”

{mosads}”I think reflecting on our history, both good and bad, is a powerful statement and part of our DNA.”

He also said it’s important to learn from the country’s monuments and understand the period in which they were made.

“But also, we live in a great country,” he said.

“And monuments are not Republican, Democrat, independent. The monuments are a tribute to all of us.”

His comments come after the debate over what to do with Confederate statues was reignited last month when violence erupted at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va.

The rally began as a protest against the Charlottesville City Council’s decision to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

Other cities have also moved to take down Confederate statues.

Earlier this month, congressional Democrats filed legislation to remove Confederate statues from the Capitol.