Trump’s proposed ban is unconstitutional

The one good thing we have to say about a Trump presidency is that it keeps Americans on their toes. We’ve learned to be ready for anything, and at this point, there isn’t much left that can surprise us. However, just because we are used to the constant bewilderment we’ve been facing, it doesn’t mean we are OK with it.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump tweeted, “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.”

For lack of a better reaction, are you freaking kidding me?

Besides the obvious issue that this decision is based on pure bigotry and transphobia, the argument that Trump presents in his tweets is illogical and drenched in fallacy. Furthermore, his proposal weakens our armed forces, something he promised to enhance.

Trump’s misguided attempt to shield his prejudice toward the transgender community led him to reason that transgender members of the military cost too much in medical expenses. He didn’t offer any numbers behind this claim, but a Department of Defense commissioned study published last year by the Rand Corp. did.

The study estimated that the typical health care costs for gender-transition-related medical treatments would cost the military between $2.4 million and $8.4 million annually. Think that’s a big number? According to the study, the military spends $84 million annually on erectile dysfunction medicines — $41.6 million goes to Viagra alone. So, who is really costing the military a tremendous amount in medical expenses? Is it the transgender community or the flaccid males who can’t get it up?

As of right now, there are about 15,000 transgender people serving in the U.S. military. These are Americans who are willing to fight and willing to die for their country and their freedom. That’s a whole lot more than most Americans are willing to do, including our president.

During the Vietnam War, a young Trump dodged the military draft a total of five times. Four times using college as an excuse, and once claiming he had bad feet. The fact that this cowardly deserter had the audacity to disallow brave Americans from defending their country is truly despicable.

Although he promised to strengthen our military, Trump is instead telling about 1.4 million Americans they are not eligible to serve, decreasing the total military force.

Strength in numbers is a policy that applies the most in the army and in war. Those currently serving in the military are already putting their lives on the line for our country, and by decreasing the military force, they go into even more danger. America needs forces, and America needs support.

Trump’s proposal is nothing but an ill-advised, intolerant and senseless attempt to continue to favor with right-wing extremists. His plan has no merit, no reason and no place in America.