Alan Cumming has launched a scathing attack on US President Barack Obama

Alan Cumming has launched a scathing attack on US President Barack Obama for doing “diddly squat” following a decision to suspend a judge’s ruling to end the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

The X-Men star and Democratic activist was a firm supporter of the 44th US President before he took office, but the delay in overturning the US military’s policy has sparked criticism from the Scottish actor. 

In a statement reported by Herald Scotland, Cumming said: “We keep hearing that Obama is an ally, that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will end under his watch, but what do we actually get?

“Diddly squat thus far on a federal level, and in addition to that some very offensive statements that would have made the Republicans look bad.”

The repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy – which requires gay military personnel to keep their sexuality hidden or face being removed from service – was a major election pledge from Obama.

 

PinkPaper.com reported last week, the White House asked an appeal court to suspend US District Judge Virginia Phillips’ decision to repeal the policy, citing the need for more time to give forces training and guidance.

The criticism comes just days after Obama gave his support to a campaign tackling homophobic bullying after a spate of suicides. But Cumming argued: “How can we counsel our children not to bully their gay classmates or mock their gay friends when they see their President, their beloved President Obama, refusing to do the equivalent in regards to troops and other adults?”

Herald Scotland reports a White House spokesman described it as “a policy that is going to end”, but declined to comment on the timescale.