Second Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Transgender Military Ban

Federal rulings temporarily halt enforcement of the policy as legal battles over its constitutionality escalate.

U.S. District Judge Christine O’Hearn issued a temporary restraining order protecting two transgender Air Force members from separation under the Trump administration's military ban.
This follows a nationwide preliminary injunction issued by Judge Ana Reyes on March 18, citing constitutional equal protection violations.
The Trump administration plans to appeal both rulings, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly defending the ban and criticizing the judges involved.
The Pentagon's policy mandates transgender troops serve in alignment with their birth sex and denies coverage for gender-affirming medical care, despite studies showing no adverse impact on military readiness.
Broader legal challenges to the ban highlight its potential harm to thousands of transgender service members and its role in the administration's wider effort to restrict transgender rights.