Most Americans Disagree With Trump’s Transgender Military Ban
Donald Trump’s surprise announcement blocking transgender men and women from serving in the U.S. military is not very popular.
Change Research’s new poll of 980 American registered voters shows strong majorities opposing President Trump’s ban on transgender soldiers serving in the military. 54% of respondents said that transgender soldiers should serve like anyone else, with 36% preferring that they be disallowed. Most of those disapproving of transgender soldiers were concerned about other soldiers being placed in awkward situations (21%), while 15% cited increased healthcare costs. 11% of respondents were unsure.
When asked specifically about President Trump’s just-announced decision, they responded similarly: 52% disagreed, 37% agreed, and 11% said they were neutral.
When asked about Patricia, a transgender woman who’s done three tours of duty in 18 years in the Army, 57% expressed anger that she might be suddenly dismissed. 28% said they would have mixed feelings if she were fired, and just 11% said that firing her would make them happy.
Most respondents expressed positive sentiment about gays serving in the military. 69% said they were glad that gays can serve in the military, 17% said they have mixed feelings, and 14% said they would prefer gays not serve.
There is a strong divide based on age. Most voters over the age of 65 are opposed to transgender men and women serving in the military, while voters under 45 prefer allowing transgender soldiers by a 2:1 margin.
Not surprisingly, Republicans are far more in line with Trump’s policy than Democrats. 93% of those who voted for Hillary Clinton disagreed with President Trump’s approach, while 76% of those who voted for Trump in November agreed with it. 94% of Clinton voters are glad that gays can serve in the military, while Trump voters are divided on gays serving in the military (40% favor, 29% oppose).
When asked to assess Donald Trump’s job performance, 45% of respondents gave the president a rating of 1 out of 10. Among those who rated President Trump a 1, 92% disagreed with his approach to transgender soldiers.
Among those who rated Trump an 8 or higher (33% of respondents), 81% agree with the decision not to allow transgender soldiers.
The survey also asked about healthcare. 20% of respondents like the Senate healthcare bill, while another 15% favor straight repeal. 30% prefer tweaking Obamacare, 26% would like to see a single-payer system, and 4% favor doing nothing.
This survey was conducted online on July 26, 2017 by Change Research (info@changeresearch.org). All respondents are self-described registered voters in the US. Post-stratification was done on age group, gender, ethnicity, and 2016 presidential vote. Using traditional calculations, the margin of error is +/- 3%.
