Donald Trump drew backlash after he announced that transgender people are no longer allowed to serve in the U.S. military. In a series of tweets on Wednesday, the president confirmed that the decision was made after a consultation with his Generals and military experts. He added that the U.S. military cannot afford to carry the burden of medical costs and problems associated with having Transgender People in the camp.
POTUS reversed Pentagon policy on transgender recruits
After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
....Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
....victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
His announcement countered a policy initially passed during Barack Obama's term, which would favor transgender people to openly serve in armed forces.
Chuck Hagel, the former defense secretary, said that every qualified American citizen, regardless of their preference, should be given equal opportunity to serve their nation.
He even asked the U.S. military to "continually" review their policy on transgender individuals in armed forces. Ashton Carter, who took over Hagel's position, stated that they would advance in allowing transgender people to openly serve.
In fact, he made mention of transgender individuals currently serving as soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines and labeled them "real patriotic Americans" who are greatly affected by the proposed prohibition. His stance was supported by then-vice president Joe Biden, who said that transgender rights should be considered "the civil rights issue of our time."
In June 2016, Carter declared that transgender Americans can openly serve in the U.S.
military. Trump's victory, however, changed the course and even delayed the policy which will grant transgender individuals the freedom to enlist. This was until Trump reversed the Pentagon policy and announced that the government will not allow transgender recruits.
The internet reacts to Trump's prohibition of transgender in military
His statements were met with criticisms from both his detractors and LGBTQ activists. Even celebrities have spoken up to slammed the U.S. president over his decision to ban transgender people from armed forces. Lady Gaga fired back at Trump with figures to inform him of how damaging this move could be to the members of trans community.
The message you have just sent has endangered the lives of people all over the United States and overseas bravely serving our nation @POTUS
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2017
.@Potus Research says at least 1/2 of High School, University Students, & Employed Young People rarely/never discuss mental issues w/ anyone
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2017
Many of these young people are transgender & suffer daily from the exact types of social isolation & targeting ur message encourages @POTUS
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2017
. @POTUS Sincerely, did you know of the group you singled out today, 45% of them ages (18 to 24) have attempted suicide already?
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2017
Within the Trans Community are many also who are strong & brave. They should be able to serve if they wish. To have honor if they do @POTUS
— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2017
Candis Cayne said she has "no words" after learning about Trump's announcement.
Speaking on behalf of transgender people, the actress asked to stop the hate against them. Chelsea Manning and Janet Mock shared the same sentiment and attacked the U.S. president for his "cowardice" and "trolling."
Caitlyn Jenner, on the other hand, was called out for being a supporter of Trump. Sandra Bernhard even asked the trans actress to discuss the military ban with the president.
