Trump prohibits transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military.

On Monday, former President Donald Trump signed four executive orders that significantly impact military policy, particularly regarding transgender service members and diversity initiatives within the armed forces. One of the most notable orders reinstates a ban on transgender individuals enlisting and serving openly in the military, echoing a policy from his first term in office.

Titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” this executive order rescinds a directive implemented by President Joe Biden, which had permitted transgender individuals to enlist and provided coverage for transition-related medical care for those already in service. The order articulates that the U.S. government aims to uphold high standards for military readiness and cohesion, asserting that the presence of individuals with gender dysphoria is incompatible with these standards. It further critiques the use of pronouns that do not align with an individual’s biological sex.

While the order establishes new guidelines, it is important to note that the implementation will not be immediate; current transgender service members will not be expelled from the military right away. This development follows closely on the heels of another executive order signed by Trump, which prohibits transgender women from being housed in female federal prisons.

These actions have reignited the debate over military inclusivity and the rights of transgender individuals in service, reflecting a broader national conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors. As the implications of these orders unfold, the military and its personnel will navigate the complexities of these new regulations in the coming months.