You have to read Iraq war hero Tammy Duckworth’s powerful takedown of Trump transgender ban

Iraq veteran Senator Tammy Duckworth has issued a powerful condemnation of Donald Trump’s ban on transgender troops.

The Trump administration is moving forward this week with plans to purge transgender troops from the military, after a hasty announcement on Twitter last month.

Trump had claimed that transgender people were too much of a “burden”, threatening to dismiss the thousands of out trans people who are already serving in the US Armed Forces.

Trump’s ban, which is moving towards implementation this month, was announced without consulting military leaders and has been condemned by a string of retired Generals.

US Senator Tammy Duckworth, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who lost both her legs in the Iraq War, posted an amazing takedown of Trump today.

(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

She wrote: “When I was bleeding to death in my Black Hawk helicopter after I was shot down, I didn’t care if the American troops risking their lives to help save me were gay, straight, transgender, black, white or brown.

“All that mattered was they didn’t leave me behind. If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, you should be able to serve—no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation.

“Anything else is not just discriminatory, it is disruptive to our military and it is counterproductive to our national security.

“If the President enacts this ban, which would harm our military readiness, the Democratic and Republican Members of Congress who oppose this discrimination must enact legislation that prevents it from taking effect.”

Democratic National Committee CEO Jess O’Connell said: “Transgender Americans already serve proudly and bravely in our armed forces.