President Donald Trump has announced he will ban transgender people serving "in any capacity". Photo / AP
By Victoria Craw
Politicians and celebrities have lined up to take aim at President Trump's controversial ban on transgender people serving in the US military after he announced the sweeping policy change on Twitter.
Actress Mia Farrow called the decision "despicable" and drew attention to a tweet the President sent in June 2016 when he said he would "fight" for the LGBT community. "This must be challenged," she said.
The 45th President made the announcement without giving prior notice to the Pentagon, saying:
"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 US 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."
Singer St Vincent called him an "Odious Ogre", while Star Trek actor George Takei warned him he would "live to regret" the decision.
Former Vice President Joe Biden spoke out against the ban, as did fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi who said it was "vile and hateful."
The decision is expected to affect up to 7000 service members on active duty and up to 4000 reserves.
Transgender service members have been able to serve openly in the military since last year, when former Defense Secretary Ash Carter ended the ban.
Tony Perkins of The Family Research Council praised the decision which he said would end the "social experimentation" under former President Obama.
Ukraine this week fired longer-range US missiles at Russian territory for the first time.