Florida Congressmen React to Trump's Transgender Military Ban

President Donald Trump made an unexpected announcement that transgender people will no longer be able to serve in the U.S. military Wednesday, reversing an Obama policy allowing them to serve in the armed forces.

Trump took to Twitter early Wednesday morning to say the military “will not accept” or allow transgender individuals to serve in the military, citing large medical costs and “disruption” as some of the reasons for the ban.

“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,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “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.”

Florida congressmen were quick to respond to the news, sharply divided on their positions regarding Trump’s announcement. 

Some congressional officials, like U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (who has a transgender son), broke party lines to oppose Trump’s new policy while others said it was worthy of supporting for the safety of the country.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla.
"Deeply disappointing decision by the President - banning qualified servicemembers based on gender identity harms our national security."

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch- D-Fla.
"Mr. President, transgender soldiers have been fighting and dying for our country IN OUR MILITARY. You should thank them for their service. We're America, where we can focus on both decisive and overwhelming victory over our enemies AND over bigotry. Mr. President, transgender soldiers have been fighting and dying for our country IN OUR MILITARY. You should thank them for their service."

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.
“This is the right thing to do!”

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla.
“The soldier’s job is always dangerous, often deadly, and their limited safety is directly linked to each soldier serving to the left and right. Anything which detracts from that already limited safety has no place in this life and death occupation. The Commander in Chief and our top generals have determined that having transgender individuals serve in our Armed Forces could negatively impact our military’s readiness, and I strongly believe that following their guidance is in the best interest of our national security.”

U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla.

"I support inclusion of any & all qualified Americans who meet the standards necessary to serve."

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla.
“No American, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be prohibited from honor + privilege of serving our nation.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.