The joint chiefs of staff, blindsided by President Donald Trump's twitter announcement Wednesday implementing a ban on transgender people serving in the military, informed troops Thursday that there would be "no modifications" to the policy.
"I know there are questions about yesterday's announcement on the transgender policy by the president," Marine Gen. Joe Dunford wrote in a short memo to service heads and senior enlisted leaders.
"There will be no modifications to the current policy until the president's direction has been received by the Secretary of Defense and the secretary has issued implementation guidance."
The joint chiefs were caught off guard by Trump's declaration despite his assertion that he had "consulted with my generals," CNN reports.
Defense Secretary James Mattis was consulted, however, CNN noted.
Regardless, right now — status quo, Dunford assured troops.
"In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect. As importantly, given the current fight and the challenges we face, we will all remain focused on accomplishing our assigned missions," Dunford wrote, according to Politico.
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