Trump Administration Reinstates Transgender Military Ban

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halts transgender enlistments and gender-affirming care under new executive order.

President Trump's January 27 executive order bans transgender individuals from serving openly in the military, reversing policies established under the Biden administration in 2021.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued directives to pause new transgender enlistments and suspend gender-affirming medical care for active service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
The administration claims the policy prioritizes military readiness and cohesion, asserting that gender identity cannot meet the standards for service.
Critics, including advocates like Navy veteran Paula M. Neira, argue the ban undermines civil rights and military inclusivity while perpetuating misinformation about gender-affirming care.
Two federal lawsuits have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the ban, with advocates warning it could lead to broader exclusions of marginalized groups in the military.