Editorial:
Proposed ban is a cruel slap to patriots in uniform.
President Trump’s wish to rid the military of transgender people is the latest indicator of his unfitness as a leader. His harsh message discriminates against a small group, diverts attention from his other failings and serves as a dog-whistle message to his conservative base.
In other words, it’s craven politics and disgraceful bullying, all in the name of selfpreservation. It’s served up Trump-style via early-morning tweets with no factual support or serious explanation. His pronouncement said he would not “accept or allow” transgender individuals to serve in the military “in any capacity.”
Trump is scrambling for an issue to change the channel. Russia, multiple investigations, the health care flameout and cellar-level polling numbers all might be overlooked if the right topic can be found. Trouble is, this one comes with genuine harm and hurtfulness.
Transgender people have chosen to serve in the military, a form of sacrifice many of us including Trump don’t make. They are fit and capable, admitted after training verifies their abilities. Following debate and study, the Pentagon is accepting transgender troops as it previously did with gay and lesbian members in the military.
There’s an estimated population of 2,450 transgender people in the world of 1.3 million active-duty military. This tiny slice ranges through the ranks to include the elite commando level of the Navy SEALs. There’s no evidence of disruption, exorbitant costs or depleted morale, all worry points that critics along with the president use.
Though Trump suggests he’s casting out transgender people on the advice of “my generals and military experts,” none is speaking up. The main reaction from the brass is a stunned silence about an issue that’s far from a hot topic. The closest step that matches Trump’s doorslam policy is a study authorized by Defense Secretary James Mattis to see how transgender acceptance is going.
These concerns are all within the military world. What Trump wants is a bigger splash on a hot-button question that galvanizes social conservatives. Kicking transgender troops out of their uniforms belongs in the same category as banning them from using a bathroom that fits their gender identity. In this case, invoking military preparedness adds a dose of faux patriotism to a fear-laden argument.
Trump is getting his due results. Human rights groups are promising to sue to block his ban. He’s getting a roasting on Twitter, where his past pledges to protect LGBT people are getting retweeted. A puzzled military is wondering what the president will announce next.
Lost in the aftermath is the human toll. Trump’s demonizing of transgender people is a shameful act by a commander in chief who’s proving unfit for office.