Top military commanders in the US appear to be pushing back against President Trump's plans to ban transgender people from the armed forces.

The country's top commander General Joe Dunford has sent a memo to US military leaders, saying all personnel will continue to be treated with respect.

In the memo, he says the policy will not change until he receives orders from the White House. 

President Trump has been condemned by equality campaigners for his proposed transgender ban.

Patricia King was the first openly transgender infantry soldier in the US army.

She says independent studies contradict the president's claims that one reason for the move is 'medical costs'.