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.

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.