President Donald Trump has issued an executive order instructing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to revise Pentagon policies on transgender troops, likely paving the way for a future ban on their military service.
This move echoes Trump’s earlier attempt during his first term, which faced prolonged legal challenges before being overturned by former President Joe Biden in 2021. Trump claimed Monday that troops identifying as a gender other than their biological one conflict with military values and readiness, as reported by the Associated Press. Lawyers who successfully opposed the initial ban have vowed to fight any new restrictions.
The directive is part of a series of executive actions announced Monday. Trump also promised to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines and to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the military. Addressing a Republican audience at his Miami resort, Trump stated that discharged service members would be reinstated with full pay and rank.
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Reversal
At least 8,200 troops were discharged in 2021 for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, but only a small number have since re-enlisted. Notices permitting their return were sent in 2023. Trump’s new order may slightly impact military budgets due to back pay provisions.
Rollbacks on DEI Programs
Trump’s initial ban on DEI initiatives, enacted shortly after his inauguration, has already led to sweeping changes, including the temporary removal of content on the Tuskegee Airmen and Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) from Air Force training courses. Defense Secretary Hegseth affirmed that future training would focus on military readiness, and clarified that historical content on these groups would remain in training programs.
Hegseth’s First Day as Defense Secretary
Starting his tenure, Hegseth highlighted plans to prioritize military readiness, including reinforcing border security and preparing for additional executive orders. The Senate narrowly confirmed his appointment last Friday.
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