Overview

• The Pentagon has initiated the removal of approximately 1,000 openly transgender service members, with voluntary separation deadlines set for June 6 for active-duty troops and July 7 for reservists.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a directive to enforce the ban, including a review of medical records to identify additional personnel diagnosed with gender dysphoria for involuntary separation.
• The Supreme Court ruled on May 6 to allow the Trump administration's transgender military ban to take effect while legal challenges continue in lower courts.
• The policy classifies gender dysphoria as a disqualifying medical condition, barring individuals with a diagnosis or history of the condition from serving in the military.
• Advocacy groups and legal challenges argue the ban violates constitutional equal protection rights, with ongoing lawsuits contesting its implementation.