How Trump's transgender ban will affect the US military

The US President cited medical costs - but trans healthcare represents just 0.001 per cent of the military budget

US protest - transgender military ban
Protesters gather in New York's Times Square to oppose the reinstatement of a ban on transgender individuals serving in the US military
(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Donald Trump's decision to reinstate a ban on transgender people serving in the US military provoked a swift backlash yesterday - as well as equally vocal support from some conservatives.

He said the "tremendous" cost of medical treatment was too much for the US military to bear. His opponents say the figures involved represent a tiny fraction of the military budget - and that the ban will reinforce prejucide against transgender people.

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