27 July,2017 09:43 AM IST | Washington | Agencies
President Donald Trump announced yesterday that transgender people may not serve in any capacity in the US military, citing the tremendous medical costs and disruption their presence would cause
Donald Trump; Transgender former soldier Chelsea Manning. Pics/AFP
President Donald Trump announced yesterday that transgender people may not serve "in any capacity" in the US military, citing the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" their presence would cause.
In late June, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis delayed for six months a plan put in place under Barack Obama's administration to start accepting transgender recruits.
"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 US Military," Trump tweeted. "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. Thank you," he added.
Last month, the Pentagon said the armed service branches could delay accepting transgender recruits until January 1. Spokeswoman Dana White explained last week that the different services were not in agreement on when to accept transgender recruits.
