President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement today that the United States government will no longer “accept or allow” transgender people to serve in the military.
Original Tweets:
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
The identity of the “Generals and military experts” Trump cited remains unknown.
Trump’s decision comes just a year after the Obama administration announced that transgender people could serve openly in the military.
The news has provoked a huge backlash across social media, including an apparent subtweet from Canada’s own military forces.
Canada’s Response:
We welcome Cdns of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Join us! #DiversityIsOurStrength #ForcesJobs https://t.co/572KahN2Zh pic.twitter.com/9In7HR4Utj
— Canadian Forces (@CanadianForces) July 26, 2017
Canada ended its ban on LGBT military personnel in 1992.
