Joni Ernst breaks with Trump: Transgenders should be able to serve in the military

“Well, I support allowing those transgenders that can serve I believe they should serve,” Ernst said. “We do want to make sure that they meet physical requirements. We can’t waive that. That is true across any demographic within our military. Making sure that they are physically fit and they meet the mental standard.”

“But I’ve asked transgenders myself, if you were willing to lay down your life beside mine I would welcome you into our military,” Ernst said. “Again, there are standards that have to be met and I will support the president and the administration on making sure that standards are met. But if there are transgenders that meet those qualifications certainly I would gladly have them serve in our United States military.”