August 25, 2017

Senator Elizabeth Warren's Statement on President Trump's Announcements Regarding Transgender Servicemembers and Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren released the following statement this evening:

"As a hurricane prepares to devastate Texas, Donald Trump is more concerned with kicking people out of the military and pardoning a racist sheriff who broke the law. Every time we think our President can't go any lower, he goes lower.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again: the only thing that matters when it comes to allowing military personnel to serve is whether or not they can handle the job.

"President Trump just issued an official memo that insults the courage and sacrifices being made by thousands of transgender troops, and he once again proved that he cares more about extreme ideology than military readiness. The President can pretend this decision is about military effectiveness, but it isn't. Banning individuals from serving based on gender identity is shameful and wrong - and it makes America less safe.

"Speaking of making America less safe, President Trump and Sheriff Joe Arpaio are two of a kind: both believe the law doesn't apply to them and have used their office to create a platform for racism and bigotry. No one - not Trump and not Arpaio - is above the law.

"This is a disgraceful night for President Trump. He has proven that the safety of the American people is the last thing on his mind."

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