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President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that “the United States Government will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.” He claimed that medical costs to support transgender soldiers are a “burden.”
A lot of people are upset about the comments, and now the tech industry is starting to voice its displeasure with Trump’s decision, though it’s unclear when (if ever) this might actually come to be.
First up, somewhat surprisingly, was Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who rarely calls out Trump by name but has disagreed with Trump’s policies in the past.
Zuckerberg posted a single sentence: “Everyone should be able to serve their country — no matter who they are.”
Twitter’s Jack Dorsey quickly followed suit in a tweet: “Discrimination in any form is wrong for all of us #LetThemServe.”
Discrimination in any form is wrong for all of us #LetThemServe https://t.co/3cxL0fNdbv
— jack (@jack) July 26, 2017
It’s possible we’ll hear from more Silicon Valley leaders over the next 24 hours — LGBTQ rights have always been an important issue for tech companies. The question is whether or not their words will lead to any changes in Trump’s proposed policies.
Update: Other tech companies and CEOs are piling on here. Google’s Sundar Pichai was actually the first to share something on Twitter early this morning, even before Zuckerberg, and Apple’s Tim Cook has also tweeted his displeasure with Trump’s proposed policy.
I am grateful to the transgender members of the military for their service. # LetThemServe.
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) July 26, 2017
We are indebted to all who serve. Discrimination against anyone holds everyone back. #LetThemServe
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) July 26, 2017
Postmates CEO Bastian Lehmann also tweeted his support of allowing transgender soldiers serve in the U.S. military.
Having proudly served myself: Any service member qualified to serve, should be able to. Regardless of race, color, creed or orientation.
— Bastian Lehmann (@Basti) July 26, 2017
Uber doesn’t like Trump’s idea either.
2/ These patriotic Americans deserve to be honored and respected, not turned away because of who they are.
— Uber Comms (@Uber_Comms) July 26, 2017
This article originally appeared on Recode.net.
