Trump 'A Disgrace': Washington Pols React To Arpaio Pardon, Transgender Ban

SEATTLE, WA - Washington's senators, Democrats Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal condemned President Donald Trump's recent directive to the Pentagon to cease recruiting transgender people into the military. The troop ban reverses Obama administration policy allowing transgender people to serve openly.

"Transgender service members are honorable, patriotic and protect freedoms and values we hold dear," Cantwell said via Twitter. "This is unacceptable."

"I stand shoulder to shoulder with the transgender community," Jayapal said in a Twitter post. "This is downright shameful."

Murray and Jayapal were also critical of Trump's decision to pardon Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted for contempt of court and would have served six months' jail time. Arpaio had ignored a judge's court order to cease immigration patrols. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said that Arpaio "illegally targeted and terrorized Latino families."

Meanwhile, King County Sheriff John Urquhart called the pardon of Arpaio "unconscionable."

Murray said via Twitter: "Very sad that President Trump has used his power not to send a message of justice, but instead to send a political message."

Image via Pramila Jayapal