DeLauro Condemns Trump’s Transgender Troop Ban

WASHINGTON, DC (August 26, 2017) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement in response to President Trump's directive to ban transgender individuals from joining the military.

"Every day, our armed forces keep Americans safe from threats at home and abroad," said DeLauro. "President Trump disrespects and undermines that fundamental mission in his latest directive to ban transgender individuals from defending our nation.

"A person's gender identity has absolutely nothing to do with their willingness and ability to defend our nation," continued DeLauro. "Carrying out this directive will shame service members for being who they are and create a separate class of citizens who cannot serve our nation, regardless of their desire to do so. I strongly condemn the President's directive and call on Secretary of Defense Mattis and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Duke to reverse course on this hateful policy."