San Diegans shared their thoughts Wednesday about President Donald Trump's Twitter announcement that transgender people will be banned from U.S. military service in "any capacity."
Trump tweeted Wednesday morning that after consulting with "Generals and military experts," the government "will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military."
The surprise announcement drew immediate support and criticism from across the region.
The San Diego Pride organization released the following statement denouncing the decision:
"Military service members have enough to manage without the fear of a witch hunt. Transgender military personnel deserve the same respect, dignity and fair treatment as all other military personnel."
"Instead, they are now being threatened on the basis of something that has absolutely no bearing on their fitness to serve," stated the message.
"We stand with our transgender community members, and with all those who reject this attempt to marginalize an entire community," continued the statement.
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U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, a member of the House Armed Service Committee, approved of the president's message.
“National security should trump social experimentation, always. It’s about time that a decision is made to restore the warrior culture and allow the U.S. military to get back to business,” Hunter said.
State Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-78th District) shared this on Twitter: "His excuses are B.S. but if disruptive & costly are disqualifying for military service then he certainly can't serve as Commander in Chief."
U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-53rd District) posted this message: "15K trans servicemembers are currently fighting for their country & deserve our gratitude. Trump's tweets demean their service & sacrifice."
Her colleague U.S. Rep. Juan Vargas (D – 51st District) chimed in: “Shameful and discriminatory. Trans service members are patriots who deserve our respect & should be allowed to serve the country they love.”
Other critics included LGBTQ advocates, like actor George Takei, and the organizers of the women's march.
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California) called the president's messages "discrimination, plain and simple."
"I stand with the brave transgender Americans who selflessly serve our military," Harris shared on Twitter.
However, the announcement was supported by many on the NBC 7 San Diego Facebook page.
Cory Olsen posted, "Anyone who has served understands that the military isn't about individualism. The military has one mission and that's to protect America and America's interests abroad. Personally I couldn't care how people swing or tuck, but when you interrupt the cohesion of a unit, that interferes with the mission."
Kevin Monzon added his thoughts saying, "Transgender people are already serving... now we just wont [sic] for the transition."
Not all locals were supportive of the president's message.
Erin Cude had this to say: "This policy will hurt our military's readiness, & I highly doubt it will stand up to court scrutiny."
Join the conversation by going to NBC 7 San Diego's Facebook page.