On Wednesday morning, Donald Trump made the divisive decision to announce that transgender individuals would be barred from serving in the U.S. military in any capacity. And not surprisingly, the revelation has since been met with outspoken criticism by many.
“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,” Trump said in a series of tweets.
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It’s the latest in a seemingly never-ending string of dramatic policy changes made by the current POTUS and largely disseminated via his personal Twitter feed.
Celebrities swiftly decried the announcement, returning Trump’s twitter fire with social media fire of their own.
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Stars like Jaime King and Emmy Rossum pointed out the sheer hypocrisy in Trump’s decision, citing his own promise to be “the most LGBT friendly President ever” and real stats about trans people in the military.
View this post on Instagram
https://twitter.com/emmyrossum/status/890239155283779584
https://twitter.com/emmyrossum/status/890239933922689024
Others encouraged pushback against the transphobic policy change.
I grew up in a military w/ LGBT people serving in the shadows. We can't let DT turn back the clock on our brave, trans soldiers. #RISEUP
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) July 26, 2017
@Caitlyn_Jenner wake up sweetheart give Your wonderful president a call & discuss #noTransgender in military congrats on a great choice!
— Sandra Bernhard (@SandraBernhard) July 26, 2017
Trump is banning all transgenders from the military. To those who believed Trump would be a friend to LGBTs, time to admit you were conned.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 26, 2017
Impeachment– where are we in regards to that process and how can we speed things along?
Trump is a disgrace #TransRightsAreHumanRights— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) July 26, 2017
no. My God. This must be challenged. https://t.co/H9DBE4cmK7
— Mia Farrow 🏳️🌈 🌻🇺🇸💙 (@MiaFarrow) July 26, 2017
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Some offered messages of solidarity and support directly to the trans community, including award-winning (and barrier-breaking) trans actress Laverne Cox.
A message to trans Americans. pic.twitter.com/o38Dqqwt4Z
— Misha Collins (@mishacollins) July 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/ikebarinholtz/status/890205748130533377
To all the trans folks currently serving in the military thank you for your service. I am sorry your "commander in chief" doesn't value it.
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) July 26, 2017
Many simply expressed their shock and disgust over the decision.
Are you TRYING to be an asshole? https://t.co/QW9axAScmO
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 26, 2017
"BREAKING: Trump: Transgender people will not be allowed to serve `in any capacity' in the US military." ODIOUS OGRE.
— St. Vincent (@st_vincent) July 26, 2017
This is bigotry.
Plain and simple.
Bigotry.— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) July 26, 2017
Blake Lively pointed out that that “we the people…” means all the people.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXCL7WzA5mS/
And Lady Gaga reminded 45 that his decision will have a ripple effect, not just among America’s military, but also among our youth.
The message you have just sent has endangered the lives of people all over the United States and overseas bravely serving our nation @POTUS
— Lady 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
— Lady 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
— Lady 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?
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2017
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