Statement from NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer on President Trump’s Announcement Banning Transgender Americans From Serving in the Military

“On this day almost 70 years ago, President Truman signed an executive order that integrated our military. Today, Donald Trump said through a tweet that he wants to codify bigotry.

“There isn’t a shred of evidence that shows banning transgender Americans in the military makes us more combat ready. There isn’t an ounce of truth to the notion that this makes our nation any safer. Instead, today’s announcement fits into a broader pattern from a White House that actively embraces and celebrates discrimination. President Trump wants people to believe that transgender servicemembers are less patriotic than their military counterparts, and less American than their civilian neighbors.

“Our message is simple: the President is once again on the wrong side of history. Advocates, elected officials, and community leaders in this city and in this country have spent their lifetimes fighting for progress. Today is only going to embolden us to work harder.”

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