Rep. Courtney Responds to Trump Administration Removing Transgender Americans from the Armed Services
NORWICH, CT – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced a new policy that removes transgender Americans from the Armed Services.
“The Trump Administration is cruelly firing servicemembers who have met the standards required for military service and have honorably chosen to serve their country. Deeming a fully qualified servicemember as unfit for service simply because of their identity is in opposition to the values of a meritocratic all-volunteer force that depends on the willingness of capable patriots. Replacing the level of expertise of the 73% of transgender personnel who are senior enlisted and have extensive experience would cost billions of dollars and take up to 20 years. Last night’s action does nothing but diminish our military readiness and retention, and insult the sacrifices made by servicemembers who are transgender.
“This action by the Trump administration is already rightfully facing legal challenges in the federal court system, as it did last time President Trump attempted to ban individuals from military service in 2017. I hope the court challenges will ultimately prove successful.”
Earlier this month, Rep. Courtney joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Hegseth to urge him to rescind his memo targeting members of the Armed Forces who are transgender. Rep. Courtney is also pushing to advance the Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act which builds on the progress of President Truman’s historic 1948 executive orders and would prohibit discrimination in the military and protect transgender servicemembers.