Lawmakers react to Trump’s transgender military ban: ‘Discriminatory, and un-American’

Shelby, an Alabama Republican, said the president’s announcement reverses the current “big tent” policy for the country’s all-volunteer military and that he wanted to look more closely at Trump’s morning tweets.

“I think you ought to treat everybody fairly and you ought to give everybody a chance to serve,” he said in a CNN interview.

Trump blindsided civil rights groups as well as lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee, with the sudden reversal of the Pentagon’s effort to integrate and begin enlisting transgender troops.

“After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military,” Trump wrote. “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”

Democrats predictably blasted the move.

“When my Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq, I didn’t care if the American troops risking their lives to help save me were gay, straight, transgender or anything else,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. “All that mattered was they didn’t leave me behind. If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, you should be able to serve — no matter your gender identity, sexual orientation or race. Anything else is discriminatory and counterproductive to our national security.”

“I will introduce legislation and will fight to overturn this discriminatory decision,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.

“The decision by President Trump to stop allowing trans individuals to serve in our Armed Forces is disgusting, stupid and runs counter to our American values. I want to say that I’m shocked, but after House Republicans tried to write hate into this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I’m not surprised,” said Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill.

“.@POTUS: Get your fax straight,” tweeted Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.. “Ind. comm’n found ‘no compelling med rationale for banning transgender mil service.’

“This is discriminatory, and un-American. To the transgender servicemembers who defend our nation, I stand with you,” Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., wrote.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., wrote the Trump is “wrong” in his announced ban.

“Transgender Americans in military are heroes like anyone else risking their lives to defend us,” he wrote.

Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., fought this week to block Republican amendments to an annual House defense appropriations bill that would have stripped military medical treatment for transgender troops.

“Trump makes our military weaker by arbitrarily kicking out high-performing soldiers based solely on gender identity,” Polis tweeted.

“Most despicable thing re: POTUS statement = using American lives to distract from his political problems. Cruel, petty, small, wrong, & sad,” tweeted Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., ranking member on House Veterans Affairs Committee and a command sergeant major.