President-elect Donald Trump reportedly plans to reintroduce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military, potentially removing approximately 15,000 transgender service members through an executive order expected on his first day in office. This move revisits a policy from his first term, which was reversed by President Joe Biden, who had allowed transgender personnel to serve openly.
First reported by The Times of London, the day-one executive order would immediately grant 15,000 active service trans personnel a medical discharge, prevent future trans enlistment, and end the military’s current practice of paying for gender reassignment surgeries for service members.
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Sources indicate this decision could exacerbate existing military recruitment challenges, as only the Marine Corps is currently meeting recruitment targets. Critics argue that such a ban could undermine military readiness and create significant administrative burdens.
“These people will be forced out at a time when the military can’t recruit enough people,” a source told the Times. “Only the Marine Corps is hitting its numbers for recruitment and some people who will be affected are in very senior positions.”
The move aligns with Trump’s broader agenda against “woke” policies, aiming to eliminate diversity and inclusion initiatives within the military. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, has also been outspoken about the issue of transgender military service, citing their dependence on cross-sex hormones and other medical interventions as a risk to combat effectiveness.
Civil rights groups and military charities have expressed concern, emphasizing the potential loss of valuable experience and leadership within the armed forces.
Following the report from the Times, Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the allegation, stating: “No decisions on this issue have been made. No policy should ever be deemed official unless it comes directly from President Trump or his authorized spokespeople.”
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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