Overview

• President Trump issued an executive order in January banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, citing concerns over readiness and cohesion.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth implemented guidance disqualifying individuals with gender dysphoria, allowing case-by-case waivers for critical roles.
• Federal Judge Benjamin Settle issued a nationwide injunction in March, stating the government failed to justify the ban and suggesting it likely violates equal protection rights.
• The Trump administration argues for deference to military judgments and claims the policy is consistent with prior Supreme Court rulings on similar bans.
• The Supreme Court has set a May 1 deadline for challengers to respond, and the ban remains blocked until a decision is made.