Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Transgender military ban: Hollywood reacts to latest Donald Trump ruling

His latest ruling has sparked outrage across the world

Jacob Stolworthy
Wednesday 26 July 2017 10:10 EDT
Comments
Donald Trump gestures during the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia, on 24 July 2017
Donald Trump gestures during the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia, on 24 July 2017

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump has incited the wrath of Hollywood after effectively banning transgender people from serving in the US military, blaming the “medical costs and disruption” they would cause.

The president stated that the U.S. government will not allow transgender people to “serve in any capacity” in the military, tweeting: “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow...transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.

"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. Thank you.”

The swift social media reaction following his announcement - which, CNN reports, was unknown to the White House press office - has been overwhelmingly negative with LGBTQ celebrities, including Caitlyn Jenner and Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox, both expressing their disgust.

Elsewhere, stars including George Takei, transgender actress Candis Cayne and Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, also waded in with their views.

Many Twitter users, including Hollywood icon Mia Farrow, highlighted a tweet sent by Trump in June 2016 when he thanked the LGBT community, writing: “I will fight for you while Hillary brings in more people that will threaten your freedoms and beliefs.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in