WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 22, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led 12 Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, strongly opposing the Trump Administration’s transgender military service ban. The lawmakers described the policy as a violation of civil rights and a threat to national security.
“This policy insults the service of brave Americans who believe that all people, regardless of differences, are equal and have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” the senators wrote, urging the Administration to comply with court injunctions halting the ban. They also called for transparency regarding any wrongful dismissals of transgender servicemembers despite the ban being legally contested.
The senators criticized the ban for undermining military readiness and exacerbating a recruiting crisis, citing a 25% attrition rate among Army recruits since 2022. They highlighted the military’s history of strength through diversity, stating, “We have triumphed over our enemies because military effectiveness and lethality are strengthened by a broad range of skills, experiences, and backgrounds.”
Senator Fetterman reiterated his position on social media, urging an end to the executive order. “I am unapologetically pro-military… but I am also unapologetically pro the LGBTQ community,” Fetterman said, emphasizing the compatibility of inclusivity and military strength.
This letter, co-signed by Senators including Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), represents a coordinated push to protect the rights of transgender servicemembers and address systemic challenges in the military.
By advocating for inclusivity and compliance with court orders, lawmakers aim to reinforce values of equality within the armed forces while addressing the ongoing issues of recruitment and readiness.
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