STATEMENT FROM CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY LGBT CAUCUS:

Today, in the course of three tweets, the President of the United States and Commander in Chief informed America and the world that he is banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. His hateful, politically-motivated actions may fire as many as 15,000 troops. One thing is perfectly clear: President Trump has no regard for the safety of the United States of America. In fact, he is the single, biggest threat facing our troops and our country.

Considering that this action came out of nowhere with no consultation from the Pentagon or Congress, we can only conclude that he is using the transgender population as a distraction from the investigation of his dealings with Russia.

The California Democratic Party’s LGBT Caucus wants our transgender service members and veterans to know that you are honored and that you are respected. We would like our entire membership to know that we have your back. We are angry, we are fighting back and we will not quit.