Mikey Likes It!: Is there anyone dumber than John Roberts of FOX "NEWS"?

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Is there anyone dumber than John Roberts of FOX "NEWS"?

Hot off the presses! Isaiah's THE WORLD TODAY JUST NUTS "Propaganda Pig Loses It"

Love it!!!

John Roberts must want to be Idiot of the Week judging by his efforts to rescue Donald Chump:

Fox News anchor John Roberts reported Tuesday on President Donald Trump reaching out to him with a “receipt” to hit back on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D) claim that Trump did not call him on Monday. While Roberts hyped the segment as Trump bringing “receipts” to push back on Newsom’s claim, the evidence Trump gave Roberts actually further vindicates Newsom’s claim — and suggests Trump simply flubbed correctly remembering which day the call took place.

“Gavin Newsom, after President Trump said in the noon hour that he called him yesterday or the other day, Gavin Newsom tweeted the following. He said, quote, ‘There was no call, not even a voicemail. Americans should be alarmed that a president deploying Marines on our streets doesn’t even know who he’s talking to,’” Roberts began, adding:

Well, President Trump contacted me from Air Force One on his way to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he’ll be in just a little while. He said the first call to Gavin Newsom was not picked up. The second call Gavin picked up, we spoke for 16 minutes. I told him to essentially, quote, and this is quoting the president, “Get his ass in gear and stop the riots, which were out of control more than anything else. This shows what a liar he is, said I never called.”

“So here is the evidence, and here is the call log that the president sent me from his phone. This was June the 7th,” Roberts added as a screen shot from Trump’s phone was shown on the screen.

Roberts then adds the key piece of information, “Now, granted, this was on Saturday.”

John Roberts, your so called 'receipt' only proves Gavin is correct. Chump did not call him on Monday.

How dumb do you have to be to be John Roberts? How much of a whore? How much of a dumb whore?

The week's not over but John Roberts is really trying hard to be selected as Idiot of the Week. Look, I know this is a prized honor. I've been doing this for two decades now. Lot of great winners in the past -- hell, I grabbed the aware for myself one week. But John, despite his stupidity, has never gotten it. He's never even been a really strong contender. But this week, he's coming on like a man determined to be named Idiot of the Week. Let's see if he maintains his lead or if someone else pulls out ahead of him.

Now let me cover Trashy Garbage. That's my mom's name for Tulsi Gabbard. The cult members is in the news and then some.

Yevgeny Kuklychev (NEWSWEEK) reports:

Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, published a video on Tuesday warning humanity is "closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before," which she blamed on "political elites and warmongers."

In her video, posted on X, formerly Twitter, Gabbard said that modern nuclear weapons could "kill millions in just minutes" while a resulting nuclear winter could block out the sun, "plunging the world into darkness and cold, killing crops and starving billions."

[. . .]

As director of national intelligence, Gabbard has oversight over all of America's IC agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Security Agency (NSA), making her warning and the graphic language deployed hard to ignore.

The comments come against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which has seen the Kremlin issue a number of nuclear threats, and tension between the U.S. and China over Taiwan, trade and the South China Sea.

Who told her? Guru Chris? You don't put a cult member over intelligence. She's a lunatic. And she shouldn't be allowed to post stuff like. 'It's my personal account!' I don't give a damn. You don't have a 9 to 5 job. You're always on the clock if you are the Director of National Intelligence. These people need to be ordered off social media.

Rhian Lubin (INDEPENDENT) reports:

People are speculating that President Donald Trump is using a “hidden leg brace” following his stumble on the steps of Air Force One.

The unsubstantiated claims are doing the rounds on social media, as users have zoomed in on images of the president’s legs taken after the fall, which occurred Sunday as Trump was walking up the stairs to board the plane.

[. . .]

People on social media commented on what appeared to be markings on the president’s pants. “Trump is not well. His fall on Air Force One, his braces on his both legs under his knees, show signs of a very sick man,” one post that had reached more than 17,000 people said on X, without evidence.

A prominent account “dedicated to exposing right-wing extremism” shared close-ups of the president’s legs in the Rose Garden on June 9, a day after the stumble. “What’s going on here?” the poster asked, sharing pictures of what appear to be bulges on Trump’s legs.

The photos were taken when Trump was surveying the construction project on the South Lawn. “Trump isn’t stable enough to walk on the thick grass. He needs a flat surface. Leg braces and no one is asking him directly,” another person reacted. Photographs taken from the same scene show the president walking back to the White House on the grass.

Others speculated that the supposed markings on Trump’s pants suggested he is wearing a Foley catheter. “Fidel Castro used to wear this leg catheter to be able to give his hours long speeches,” another person reacted. “It’s a politician thing.”

The group Republicans Against Trump shared a photo on X of the president at Saturday’s UFC 316 in New Jersey. “Is Donald Trump wearing a Foley catheter?” the account asked its 900,000-odd followers.

Poor Donald. Too old to get a hard on anymore and he's also stuck pissin himself. No wonder his wife doesn't want to be around him or in his bed.

Here's C.I.'s "The Snapshot:"

Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Chump's continued attack on Los Angeles includes physically attacking the press, Pete Hegseth lies repeatedly at the hearing and goes back 25 years to try to avoid taking the blame for his own mistakes, hard to play pro-police if, like Chump, you pardoned the insurrectionists, and much more.

Let's star with a hearing yesterday. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, though carefully made up with foundation that almost covered his Psoriasis patches and his herpes sore above his lip on the right side of his face, was woefully unprepared for when it came to even basic facts. Hegseth has still not submitted a spending plan to Congress.

Ranking Member Betty McCollum noted at the start, "The point of this hearing is the President's 2026 Fiscal Budget Request and we don't have it. It was due in February today is June 10th. Four months from now is the end of the fiscal year and all we have is a very rough draft. The DoD has failed to submit a complete request."

He still hasn't submitted the budget request. Again, due in February. And he's still not come up with it. He's not qualified. And he didn't arrive at the hearing prepped and ready. He repeatedly attempted to distract from his lack of knowledge by bulls**ting and by constantly blaming others for other things.

As he yet again attempted to blame everyone else for whatever he hadn't done in his five months as DoD Secretary, one member of the Committee had enough.

Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro: Please. I want your plan. I've-I've had difficulty with the prior administration and I don't mind calling them out. What is your plan for the future? Can we get that in writing and on paper so that we know where you're going? Because we don't have anything today. We have zip! Nada in knowing where you're going. You can talk percentages, you can talk whatever you want, but unless this Committee sees dollars and cents and where you're going and what you're plan is then we may reconsider what you need to do to go forward. Give us the details.

Secretary Da Dunce Pete Hegseth: Congresswoman, we have the details We'll provide them.

Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro: Then let's have them. Before -- My hope is that we can get them before we go to a mark upin a few hours today.

Yes, Hegseth blamed Joe Biden and Tim Walz and everyone in the Democratic Party but the press forgot to tell you in their coverage that he insulted the Republicans as well. One of his biggest problems that he has to deal with today?

Bully Boy Bush!!!!!

Hegseth whined about how DoD was better off 25 years ago (that would be the end of Bill Clinton's second presidential term) and those that followed "squandered" money and opportunities. Again, that's a slap at Republican Bully Boy Bush. Wonder if anyone will come forward to defend BBB?

Hegseth lied nonstop. DeLauro pointed out that he was lying about funding levels in the past regarding the submarine program. He lied about immigrants. He insisted 21 million had come into the US under President Joe Biden. The fright-wing does love that fabricated stat but it's not true. GOOGLE the claim and AI's first sentence is:

Based on available information, the claim that 21 million illegal immigrants have come into the US under the Biden administration is inaccurate

. This number has been described as an exaggeration

To be a Republican in the hearing meant to lie. Such as when the always laughable Mario Rafael Díaz-Balart tried to insist that Chump and Hegseth turned the military around and have increased recruitment which was doing so, so poorly under Joe Biden. The Fiscal year for recruitment has months go so we don't know what's going on there. We do know that recruitment numbers began rising . . . under Joe Biden.

Melissa Goldin (AP) on April 25th:

U.S. military recruitment has made a comeback following a downturn caused primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, low unemployment and stiff competition from the private sector.

Posts circulating widely on social media give President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth credit for this increase, a claim that has been pushed by the president and others in his administration.

But Defense Department data shows the uptick began well before Trump’s reelection in November and experts point to actions taken by the military during the Biden administration as key reasons for the increase.

Here’s a look at the facts.

CLAIM: President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are causing military recruitment numbers to skyrocket.

THE FACTS: This is an overstatement and is missing context. Recruitment numbers for all military branches have been on the rise for the last few years, according to Defense Department data. Experts cite factors such as improving recruitment strategies, increased bonuses and new prep courses that predated the 2024 presidential election as factors in the change, although they acknowledge Trump’s election could have also played a role.

Use the link for the full report and grasp that the Fiscal Year is not over yet.

Also grasp that Diaz-Balart is fake news with his own mouth as he lies and even accuses the media of covering up a 'fact' that, in fact, is not a fact.

Let's talk about some of the Republican subcommittee members. Can we start with Ken Calvert? Early this year, he put his name to a column whose opening sentence was "The cost of bloated bureaucracy weighs on everything across the economy." The staffer who actually wrote that line laughed and laughed with other member of Calvert's staff. Why? It was a little in joke, a nod to the fact that Calvert is so morbidly obese. So fat that Tom Cole could almost pass for nearly stocky merely by sitting next to Calvert. Let's also note that education is needed. Especially for members of Congress. "Ethos," Calvert, ends with an "os" and not an "is" so please either stop using the term or learn to pronounce it correctly.

Looking at the assembled Republicans, one's left to wonder if anyone in the GOP has a single chin? Beyond double chins? Many were sporting rooster wattles with their chins apparently ending at their collar bone.

In last night's "Media: Lulu would explode Hegseth's head," Ava and I covered the hearing as well. In it, we noted:

A typical sentence from Hegseth in the hearing -- whether speaking off the top of his head or reading aloud from the paper before him -- would be, "How do we gets hands in -- how do we get systems, platforms, future capabilities in the hands of war fighters."

A drive-by to the public account this morning says, "That's just one example!" And? We're not reproducing a transcript. We gave you an example. I'll be kind and give you one more. When reading his opening statement, he offered "these improve - include" as he bounced up and down. Maybe playing bouncy house in his chair prevented him from reading correctly? I don't know.

Traditionally, we cover hearing with excerpts.

We don't usually have so many liars at a hearing. I'm not interested in repeating the lies so what you get on this hearing is what you get.

One thing we chose to leave out -- we couldn't figure out how to force it in -- was US House Rep Harold Rogers. He was in a car accident a few months back. No one wants to talk about what was at fault but it was his age and at 87, he shouldn't be driving. But that's not what we were going to bring up. He's too old to be on the Committee but he's also in dire need of medical help. I question his support group that he was allowed out in public -- let alone at a hearing in front of cameras -- with all those sores on both hands.

Let's move on by noting Lawrence O'Donnell from last night on MSNBC.

Ian Swanson (THE HILL) reports:

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) hammered President Trump on Tuesday for tapping the National Guard to help quell protests in Los Angeles, noting that the president had refused congressional pleas to take that step when a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

“In a bipartisan way, on Jan. 6 — with violence against the Constitution, against the Congress and against the United States Capitol — we begged the president of the United States to send in the National Guard,” Pelosi told reporters. “He would not do it.”

Trump sent the National Guard to Los Angeles without the consent of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argued Trump’s actions risked elevating violence. He did so amid protests against raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The White House argues local officials did not do enough to curtail protestors endangering federal property and officials. The Pentagon has since sent Marines to Los Angeles.

The Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol came after months of Trump making false claims that he had won the 2020 election, only to have it stolen away by a vast conspiracy of corrupt election officials, foreign governments and underhanded software companies. No evidence has emerged to back those claims.

No one asked for it, no one needed it, Chump broke the law to do it but some outlets struggle with addressing that reality. Elizabeth Urban (LATIN TIMES) notes:

President Donald Trump was mocked online after declaring that those taking part in the Los Angeles protests against ICE were "insurrectionists" and demanding jail time, despite pardoning those convicted in the Capitol riots.

The president was asked about "the people causing problems in LA" upon returning to the White House by reporters Monday.

"The people that are causing the problem are professional agitators, they're insurrectionists, they're bad people. They should be in jail," Trump stated.

Los Angeles was home to various protests over the weekend in response to ICE raids across the city. More than 50 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, which Trump responded to by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to help aid law enforcement.

However, users online were quick to point out the president's choice of words to describe the protesters, given that he had pardoned the rioters who participated in the insurrection on January 6, 2021.

"It loses all meaning after he pardoned the insurrectionists," one user remarked. Another added, "And yet, he pardoned everyone who attacked the capital. So evil."

"The insurrectionists should be in jail you say?" another user chided. One person said, "Imagine if he said that about [January 6]."

Chump pardoned those who attacked the police. He can stop trying to grandstand now.

Yesterday morning, Jon Allsop (COLUMBIA JOURNALISM REVIEW) noted:

There has been some vandalism and violence in LA, but the protests have mostly been peaceful, especially before Trump decided to call in the National Guard. And they’ve been pretty limited in scope; the apocalyptic images of, for example, burning cars that have been splashed across the media reflect reality, but don’t represent the broader picture in LA, however many administration officials might take to Fox News to slam the city as a Third World–esque hellhole full of criminals. Over the weekend, CNN’s Stelter noted that he’d received messages from friends on the ground telling him: “I’m sure you know this, but 99.9 percent of LA is going about their Sunday normally.” David Dayen, the executive editor of the American Prospect, who has lived in the city for over twenty years, wrote yesterday that protests “abbreviated in the media as ‘unrest’…were actually a cry of hope.”

As usual, he's the one who lit the match that started the fire. But he won't take accountability for not bringing down egg prices -- he won't even admit that he's failed at that. He never takes accountability.

As the assault continues, reporters keep getting targeted. Becca Longmire (PEOPLE) reports:

Toby Canham, who shared a photo of his painful-looking injuries on social media, is among more than 20 journalists who have reportedly been injured in the protests

On Sunday, June 8, Toby Canham, 59, was reporting on the protests for the New York Post near the 101 freeway when a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer fired a bullet at him from around 100 yards away, per the outlet.

Following the incident, Canham posted a selfie on his Instagram Stories showing followers his painful-looking head injury. He also shared a photo of what appeared to be the moment the officer reportedly fired his weapon toward him, writing, "Incoming."

ITV's Noel Phillips explained on GOOD MORNING BRITAIN how police shot him in the arm with a rubber bullet while he was laying on the ground speaking to protesters. Lauren Tomasi was also shot by police as she was on air reporting for Australia's NEWS9 and the video does appear to show the shooting was deliberate.

Reporting matters. On the spot reporting matters. It's important for We The People to see what is being done in our name. There is no excuse for the targeting of journalists. Chiara Fiorillo (THE MIRROR) notes:

A CNN anchor said she was pushed around by police while reporting on the ongoing protests in Los Angeles.

During a tense stand-off between law enforcement and protesters, Erin Burnett said officers were urging her and her team to move from the area. After being asked by her colleague in the studio to describe the scenes unfolding on Monday night, the journalist said, "What we're seeing here right now, we've got a stand-off on this line as well."

She then added, "The officers are also pushing us ... They're just saying, move the area." Erin said there was "tension" in the area and noted that despite being aware that she is part of the media reporting on the protests, officers were "just as happy to push me as to push anybody else." She added, "They want everybody out of here."

And Michael Luciano (MEDIAITES) reports:

CNN National Correspondent Jason Carroll narrated his interaction with police in Los Angeles on Monday night, as cops escorted him away from where he had been reporting.

The network was reporting on the ongoing protests and subsequent police and military response in Los Angeles, which has been the scene of several demonstrations over the last four days. On Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried out raids in the city’s garment district to scoop up migrant workers. They also conducted a raid outside a Home Depot to look for undocumented laborers there as well. The actions are part of President Donald Trump’s nationwide mass deportation effort.

On Monday night, Carroll reported from a protest during an extended edition of Laura Coates Live, and wrapped up his report without incident. However, moments later, host Laura Coates, who was in the studio, suddenly went back to her colleague on the scene.

“Wait one second, John,” she said, interrupting CNN Chief Law Enforcement Analyst John Miller. “Hold on. I wanna– Jason, what’s going on? I hear you. Am I seeing Jason Carroll being– what happened? Jason?”

“I am being detained,” Carroll answered. “I’m being detained, Laura.”

Carroll then addressed the cops.

“I’m not being arrested, correct, officers?” he asked.

“Did you hear what he told you?” one of the officers asked Carroll.

“No,” Carroll replied.

“We’re letting you go, but you can’t come back,” the officer responded. “Because then if you come back in, then you go. Ok, please?”

“Ok, thank you, officer,” Carroll replied before addressing Coates again.

“If you guys can still hear me, what happened was, I was–” Carroll said before being interrupted by a witness.

“I’m Chris with The New York Times,” a man told Carroll. “We got video of you guys. If you need it later, call The New York Times.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that,” Carroll said before returning to his conversation with Coates.

“So here’s what happened, Laura,” he said. “I was called over, and the officer told me to put my hands behind my back. I said, ‘Am I being arrested?’ He said, ‘You are being detained.’ I was walked out of the area. They took down my information.”

Chiara Fiorillo (IRISH STAR) reports on another CNN on air:

CNN subsequently disclosed that although Jason was ultimately let go, two individuals on his camera crew were detained by the police. Expounding on the tumultuous moments after vacating the demonstration site, the reporter expressed, "I was walking over to the officer, tried to explain who I was, who I was with. He said, 'I'd like you to turn around.' I turned around, I put my hands behind my back. They did not put me in zip ties, but they did grab both my hands as I was escorted over to the side, they said, you are being detained."

Jason's experience is not an isolated case among journalists in LA covering the protests. On Sunday, 9News' US correspondent Lauren Tomasi appeared to get hit by a rubber bullet during a live shot, while British photojournalist Nick Stern reportedly required urgent surgery following a leg injury sustained amidst the weekend's violent events.

On Monday, a group of 27 press and civil liberties organizations penned a letter to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sounding the alarm over potential First Amendment rights violations by federal officers against journalists reporting on recent protests and unrest tied to immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. The coalition expressed their concern, stating, "The press plays an essential role in our democracy as the public's eyes and ears. The timely reporting of breaking news is necessary to provide the public with complete information, especially about controversial events."

They reported, "A number of reports suggest that federal officers have indiscriminately used force or deployed munitions such as tear gas or pepper balls that caused significant injuries to journalists. In some cases, federal officers appear to have deliberately targeted journalists who were doing nothing more than their job covering the news."

Reporters Without Borders issued the following:

At least 27 attacks on journalists covering protests in Los Angeles took place between June 6 and June 8. The assaults have been carried out by both law enforcement and protesters. Violence against journalists while they are reporting is unacceptable under any circumstances, and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the authorities to protect journalists’ First Amendment right to cover matters of public interest.

The protests began in Los Angeles on June 6 in response to raids on workplaces by federal authorities targeting immigrants. Police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, at times indiscriminately striking members of the media.

According to information verified by RSF with the help of its local partner, the Los Angeles Press Club, at least 27 separate incidents of violence against journalists have been recorded at the protests since June 6. These include 24 by law enforcement and three by individuals. The indiscriminate wave of violence has touched all parts of the media, including legacy outlets, freelancers, local TV, foreign correspondents, and journalist security teams.

“The wave of violence against journalists on the streets of Los Angeles this weekend is unacceptable. These protests are a matter of huge public interest and the public has a right to know exactly what’s going on. The only way that can happen is if journalists are allowed to do their jobs freely. This is inherently dangerous work, but it’s made more dangerous by authorities who are unable or unwilling to distinguish press from protestors, and by private actors who attack members of the media. Authorities in LA must do more to ensure press freedom is respected during these protests.

Clayton Weimers

Executive Director, RSF USA

At least 24 acts of violence by security forces against journalists

Almost immediately after the protests erupted, journalists were under physical attack. Multiple media workers reported being shot by police with “less-than-lethal munitions” (LLM) such as pepper balls, rubber bullets, and tear gas canisters, including Southern California News Group’s Ryanne Mena, freelance journalists Anthony Cabassa and Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, The Southlander’s Ben Camacho, British photojournalist Nick Stern, and LA Taco’s Lexis Olivier-Ray. Disturbing footage shows Australian TV reporter Lauren Tomasi being shot with LLM by police while reporting live on the air. A video posted by NBC LA shows police in military-style gear aggressively pushing reporter Mekahlo Medina. Another video shows police firing on a KCBS/KCAL TV crew.

On June 8, President Donald Trump announced he was calling up 2,000 National Guard troops to assist local police, a move that contributed to the violence against journalists already being perpetrated by law enforcement. RSF urges all authorities — local, state, and federal — to show respect towards members of the media in recognition of their constitutionally-protected duty to report on these protests.

The California Penal Code 13652(b)(6) requires state and local officers to "minimize possible incidental impact" of these weapons on journalists, and federal law enforcement officers are bound to uphold the First Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights of journalists to cover matters of public interest, including recording officers in the course of their work.

Violent demonstrators also target members of the media

There have also been at least three alleged incidents of violence by individual protesters against journalists trying to cover the protests. In an online video, demonstrators appear to threaten and chase away a TV crew for KTTV Fox 11, as well as independent journalist Aldo Buttazzoni. A KTTV Fox 11 news van was also broken into and vandalized.

The United States ranks 57th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index. It has dropped 12 places in the past five years, and seen an alarming uptick of press freedom violations since President Donald Trump took office for the second time in January 2025.

And we'll wind down with this from Senator Elizabeth Warren's office:

Fit to Serve Act would enhance national security, prohibit Trump, Hegseth from attacking members of the military based on gender identity

Text of Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the top Democrat for the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, introduced the Fit to Serve Act, a bill to support our military readiness and national security by prohibiting discrimination against transgender service members.

Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), all also members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined as co-sponsors of the bill.

Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, led the introduction of the bill in the House of Representatives with Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).

In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender individuals joining and continuing to serve in the military. The Department of Defense (DoD) is forcing service members in active-duty to self-identify for voluntary separation by June 6, 2025; service members in the Reserves have until July 7, 2025.

Banning transgender service members undermines our military’s readiness. The administration’s actions hurt our national security and dehumanize the thousands of transgender service members who have made meaningful contributions to our armed forces.

While the ban continues to be litigated in federal court, the Supreme Court has allowed the DoD to begin to implement the ban, threatening the careers of thousands of service members who serve as test pilots, Navy divers, intelligence analysts, weapons specialists, combat aviators, and other critical national security roles. The ban also threatens to waste billions of taxpayer dollars invested in training these troops, who have spent decades in the military, deployed multiple times, and commanded large numbers of troops.

Former Pentagon officials have testified that allowing transgender service members to openly serve “fosters openness and trust among team members, thereby enhancing unit cohesion” and that “transgender service members who meet the standards required for their positions serve effectively and contribute positively to unit readiness.” To ensure the United States can continue to benefit from the service of transgender individuals, who have raised their hand to defend and protect their country and meet the same rigorous standards as their peers, the Fit to Serve Act prohibits DoD from:

Banning transgender service members from the military;
Prescribing qualifications for service on the basis of gender identity;
Denying necessary health care for service members on the basis of gender identity;
Forcing a service member to serve in their sex assigned at birth; or
Otherwise discriminating against service members on the basis of gender identity.

“We recruit and train the best and bravest to protect our country – losing highly qualified service members, who meet strict standards to join the military, makes us less safe,” said Senator Warren. “While Trump plays politics with our troops, I'm fighting back to make clear that anyone who is qualified to serve should be able to regardless of who they are.”

“Banning transgender Americans from serving in our military, and forcing current service members to quit serving, is a cruel attack on the very people who have dedicated their lives to defending our country,” said Senator Booker. “Transgender service members meet the same rigorous standards as their peers and have served our country with honor for years. The Fit to Serve Act is critical legislation to prevent the Department of Defense from discriminating against our troops on the basis of gender.”

“If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, it shouldn’t matter if you are gay, straight, transgender, Black, white or anything else,” said Senator Duckworth. “Every transgender servicemember earned their role through rigorous training and is more qualified to serve in those roles than Pete Hegseth is to be Secretary of Defense. I’m proud to join Senator Warren and my Democratic colleagues in working to reverse the Trump Administration’s offensive transgender military ban, which is disruptive to our military, hurts readiness and not only does nothing to strengthen our national security—it actively makes things worse.”

“Attacking people based on who they love or how they identify does nothing to make America safer. Our LGBTQ+ servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep our nation safe, and I’m always going to have their backs,” said Senator Fetterman. “Since day one, I’ve called on Secretary Hegseth to reverse course, and he’s failed to act. Now, I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce legislation to end this disgraceful, illegal ban.”

“Transgender service members serve our country honorably, dedicating their lives to protecting our nation,” said Senator Hirono. “Yet, Trump continues attacking the transgender community, disrespecting these individuals, discriminating against them, and undermining our military readiness. By prohibiting this discrimination on the basis of gender identity, this legislation will help to ensure transgender individuals who are qualified to serve may do so.”

“Every willing and qualified American deserves the chance to serve and defend our country, and many transgender individuals have done so for years with dignity and honor. This legislation will ensure these patriots can continue to serve freely and openly, now and in the future,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“As President Trump continues to denigrate and target transgender servicemembers, we must stand up for what is right and what makes our military strongest,” said Senator Kim. “We cannot build a united, incomparable force by alienating brave Americans ready and proud to serve their nation. This legislation honors our transgender troops' service and anyone who is willing to put their life on the line for our freedoms and serve our nation in uniform.”

“The persistent dehumanization of trans people by the Trump administration hurts many and helps no one. Trans members of the military – just like anyone else in service – have dedicated their lives to public service, and, in return, this administration dismisses them from service,” said Senator Ed Markey, “I am proud to stand with my colleagues to say this is wrong. Trans rights are human rights.”

“Service members sign up to protect our country with patriotism and bravery,” said Senator Merkley. “Banning highly-skilled transgender service members endangers the safety and security of our nation, and takes us backward in our march towards equality.”

“There’s no reason other than blatant discrimination for trans service members to be barred from serving in our military,” said Senator Schatz. “If someone is willing and meets the high standards to serve, they should be allowed to – it’s as simple as that.”

“Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people in the military puts Americans’ safety last,” Senator Wyden said. “Fitness for military service has nothing to do with how a person identifies. The Fit to Serve Act will keep our military strong by ensuring that anyone who can do the job can join and serve.”

This bill is endorsed by the following organizations: Human Rights Campaign, Minority Veterans of America, SPARTA, Out in National Security, Advocates for Trans Equality, Modern Military Association of America, National Women’s Law Center, and National Center for LGBTQ Rights.

"Transgender servicemembers are trusted and effective warfighters. At a time when the United States faces growing threats around the world, banning them from the All-Volunteer Force will make Americans less safe," said Luke Schleusener, CEO of Out in National Security (ONS), a professional association for LGBTQIA+ people across the national security enterprise. "This legislation underscores that the fight to honor the service of thousands of transgender Americans in uniform—and to strengthen America's national security—is far from over."

“The Fit to Serve Act is a necessary step to ensure our military reflects the values it claims to defend—honor, courage, and integrity. Banning transgender troops based on prejudice weakens our national security, erodes morale, and wastes taxpayer dollars. Transgender service members have always served with pride, even when denied recognition, and they deserve to serve openly in our armed forces and for leadership that is rooted in facts—not fear. This bill sends a clear message: Patriotism isn’t defined by gender identity, but by the selfless act of serving one’s country,” said Lindsay Church, MVA (Minority Veterans of America) Executive Director.

“The Fit to Serve Act is vital to stop the current unnecessary and cruel purge of trans troops, which weaponizes a gender dysphoria diagnosis. It would ensure our leaders cannot turn their backs on those fully capable and willing to serve, for no reason other than discrimination,” said Cathy Marcello, Modern Military Association of America’s Interim Executive Director. “The policy’s vague wording of 'exhibits symptoms of gender dysphoria' will undoubtedly be misused against anyone who military leadership wants to push out, similar to the ways Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was used to target individuals.

“Trangender service members have already taken an extraordinary step most Americans never will: volunteering to risk their lives in defense of our nation. These thousands of patriots have already served openly and honorably around the world for nearly a decade, meeting the same standards as everyone else. Suddenly separating them and finding and training replacements will cost taxpayers billions over decades — while destroying the careers and livelihoods of thousands of military families and leaving units with critical operational and talent gaps.

“Despite three federal courts deeming the policy unconstitutional and top military leaders noting no evidence of negative impacts of open trans service, the executive and judicial branches have failed to protect these service members. They are already experiencing the first steps of a novel and undignified separation process. We are truly thankful that Senators Warren, Duckworth, Gillibrand, Baldwin, Markey, Wyden, Hirono, Merkley, Fetterman, Van Hollen, Sanders, Kim, Booker, Schatz, and Smith are addressing this injustice by introducing the Fit to Serve Act to codify what so many of us know to be true: transgender service members are fit for service and don’t deserve to live with the uncertainty of ever-changing executive orders and litigation with each new administration.”

“The Fit to Serve Act is a declaration that we will not stand by while our courageous troops are under political assault. Transgender servicemembers meet the same rigorous standards, deploy worldwide, put in the same hard work and demonstrate the same dedication as any of their colleagues. They have valiantly embraced the weighty responsibility of protecting our country and should not have their careers arbitrarily ended. Instead, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are taking away their jobs, cutting off their health care benefits, and disregarding the immense sacrifices these servicemembers and their families have made. It's a slap in the face to all who serve and puts our military readiness at risk. We thank Sen. Warren for introducing this important legislation, and we urge every Member of Congress to support it and uphold this nation’s promise to support all of our servicemembers,” said Jennifer Pike Bailey, Government Affairs Director of the Human Rights Campaign.

“We are grateful to lawmakers for standing up for our nation’s troops and ensuring that every American has an equal opportunity to serve. Military service is about whether you can do the job, not who you are,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director, National Center for LGBTQ Rights (NCLR).

“Transgender people have long served in our military with honor, integrity, and courage. Efforts to ban them from service undermine the humanity and contributions of those who have risked their lives for our country,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president for education and workplace justice at the National Women’s Law Center. “We strongly support the Fit to Serve Act and applaud Senator Warren’s leadership in defending the rights and dignity of trans service members. Everyone, regardless of who they are, deserves the right to work with dignity and without fear of harassment or other forms of discrimination, including in the military.”

“SPARTA Pride supports the Fit To Serve Act introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren that aims to prohibit discrimination in the military on the basis of gender identity. This legislation represents a critical step toward ensuring that all who are willing and able to serve their country can do so with dignity, authenticity, and fairness—regardless of their gender identity,” said SPARTA Pride.

“The United States military is as diverse as our country, and trans people have always been a part of the military, serving honorably and meeting the same rigorous standards as their peers. For nearly a decade, trans servicemembers have been able to serve in the military openly and authentically as themselves," said Olivia Hunt, Advocates for Trans Equality Director of Federal Policy. "Trump's ban on trans servicemembers betrays the trust of the thousands of trans people who have come out and transitioned while serving, with the full support of their unit members and chain of command. It also jeopardizes their access to critical benefits such as healthcare, education, and retirement, essential for their well-being and stability. We applaud Senator Warren and her cosponsors for introducing this important legislation and joining us in standing up for servicemembers.”

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