
President Donald Trump signed executive orders that will significantly alter military policies, focusing on transgender service, diversity initiatives, and vaccine mandates.
Key Takeaways
- Trump plan to restrict transgender individuals from serving in the military, citing medical readiness concerns.
- The orders will eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in the Armed Forces and related departments.
- Trump intends to reinstate military personnel discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, with back pay and benefits.
- The move rescinds Biden’s 2021 order allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the military.
- Legal challenges are expected, with multiple organizations preparing to file lawsuits against the new policies.
Restricting Transgender Service and Ending DEI Practices
President Trump’s anticipated executive orders mark a significant shift in military policy, focusing on restricting transgender service members and eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The orders are expected to rescind President Biden’s 2021 directive that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly in the military.
The new policy cites concerns about medical readiness, particularly during gender transition surgeries. According to a fact sheet on the order, “It can take a minimum of 12 months for an individual to complete treatments after transition surgery, which often involves the use of heavy narcotics. During this period, they are not physically capable of meeting military readiness requirements and require ongoing medical care.”
Exclusive: Transgender rights groups are preparing to file a lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's order targeting transgender service members, in what would be the first legal challenge to a cornerstone of his conservative agenda at the Pentagon https://t.co/Psicn1apjE
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 28, 2025
Dismantling DEI Programs and Reinstating Discharged Personnel
A second executive order aims to eliminate DEI practices within the Armed Forces, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. The administration argues that these programs result in discriminatory race- or sex-based preferences. The order emphasizes a return to merit-based systems and traditional military values.
Additionally, Trump is expected to announce an order reinstating U.S. troops who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. This move would allow these personnel to return to their former ranks with back pay and benefits, addressing a contentious issue from previous pandemic-related policies.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
The executive orders are likely to face significant legal challenges. Six active-duty transgender service members have already filed a lawsuit against President Trump, claiming the ban discriminates based on sex and transgender status, violating the Equal Protection component of the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
“There’s nothing about being transgender that makes me better or worse than any other soldier I serve alongside. … We are all here because we are committed to our country, and we are passionate, willing, and able to serve effectively”, Army Capt. Gordon Herrero, one of the plaintiffs, argued.
Organizations such as the National Center for Lesbian Rights, GLAD Law, Lambda Legal, and the Human Rights Campaign are preparing to challenge the executive order in court. These groups argue that the ban discriminates against transgender troops unrelated to job performance and that it violates equal protection principles.
While the exact number of transgender military personnel is unknown, estimates suggest thousands may be affected by these policy changes. The Pentagon has stated it will implement the executive order as directed, without commenting on the pending litigation.
Sources:
Trump Signs Executive Orders Restricting Transgender Troops
Court Battle Begins Over Trump’s Ban On Trans Troops
Six active duty service members file first lawsuit challenging Trump’s transgender troop ban