Trump to ban transgender troops in US military
US President Donald Trump announced that transgender individuals will no longer be able to serve in the US military. The surprise move has attracted criticism from rights groups. However, confusion about the announcement remains as the White House hasn't decided on how to implement the transgender troop ban. President Barack Obama had decided last year to allow transgender troops to serve openly.
Obama lifted ban on transgender troops in US military
The Obama administration, which allowed transgender people to serve openly in the military last year, had left a one-year review period for the policy's implementation. Under the policy, the military would provide medical help for troops seeking a gender change. Defense Secretary James Mattis in June agreed to a six-month delay in the policy's implementation.
What Trump said?
"The United States government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the US military," Trump tweeted. He added: "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."
White House says policy hasn't been worked out
When asked whether transgender troops serving on battlefields would be sent back immediately, White House Sarah Sanders said the policy hasn't been worked out. "The decision is based on a military decision. It's not meant to be anything more than that," she said.
Trump's military spending argument for transgender ban may not hold
The US military has an estimated 4,000 active-duty and reserve transgender service members, according to the independent Rand Corporation. Rand predicts healthcare spending would increase by a mere 0.13% with the inclusion of transgender people in the military. US media outlets questioned Trump's spending justification, given that the US military spends $42 million annually on erectile dysfunction medication Viagra.
Why did Trump decide to reinstate transgender ban?
The Trump administration is facing heat over the president's statements undermining Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the healthcare bill, the Russia investigations and sanctions bill. Republicans have often used cultural issues to divide Democrats and energize conservatives. A White House insider said Trump's move is straight out of that playbook. Trump, who previously expressed sympathy towards LGBT rights, needs the support of religious conservatives.
Transgender troops express sadness with Trump's announcement
Kristin Beck, a retired elite US Navy SEAL, challenged Trump: "Let's meet face to face and you tell me I'm not worthy," adding that "Being transgender doesn't affect anyone else." Army reservist Rudy Akbarian said: "My heart dropped a little bit, you know. It hurt."
