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Pentagon to Expel Transgender Troops Under Expanded Trump Policy

A new Defense Department memo mandates the removal of transgender service members unless they meet stringent waiver criteria.

President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2025, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen. (Pool via AP)
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Army Chief of Staff General Randy George is seen speaking to US Soldiers at the Hohenfels Training Area in southern Germany on February 6, 2025. (Photo by ARMIN WEIGEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Pentagon has issued a directive to identify and separate transgender troops within 30 days, with removal actions to begin shortly thereafter.
  • Service members with a history of gender dysphoria or those who have undergone transition-related medical procedures are disqualified under the policy.
  • Exceptions will be granted only if individuals demonstrate a compelling government interest and 36 months of stability in their birth-assigned sex without medical transition.
  • The policy, stemming from a January executive order by President Trump, has been challenged in federal court by LGBTQ advocacy groups as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
  • A federal judge has demanded evidence from the administration to justify the policy's claims that transgender service members undermine military readiness and cohesion.