US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to sign an executive order on January 20, his first day back in office, banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. This move would not only prohibit new enlistments but also discharge an estimated 15,000 active transgender service members, deeming them medically unfit to serve.
The expected policy is a sharp reversal of President Joe Biden’s 2021 decision to allow transgender individuals to serve openly. Trump had previously implemented a partial ban during his first term, citing concerns over medical costs and alleged disruption to military operations.
The proposed removal comes at a time when the US military faces recruitment challenges. Sources suggest that only the Marine Corps has met its recruitment targets, raising concerns about the potential loss of experienced personnel. “This will exacerbate critical skill gaps and harm unit cohesion,” said Rachel Branaman, executive director of the Modern Military Association of America.
Branaman added that discharging thousands of transgender troops could lead to significant financial and operational costs, estimating it could take decades and billions of dollars to replace the lost expertise.
Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and former National Guard major, as defense secretary further signals a hardline stance. Hegseth has criticized what he calls “effeminate” leadership and has opposed the Pentagon’s focus on diversity and inclusion. He argued that medical care for transgender personnel is an “extravagance” and emblematic of “trans lunacy.”
Paulo Batista, a transgender analyst in the US Navy, expressed dismay over the potential ban. Batista emphasized the vital roles transgender service members hold, warning of operational upheaval. “Removing 15,000 of us means others must fill those roles, which could take months or years,” Batista said.
LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the ban undermines military readiness and sends a harmful message about inclusion. “This policy adds administrative burdens to warfighting units and weakens the armed forces,” said Branaman.
If enacted, Trump’s policy is expected to ignite legal battles and deepen divisions over LGBTQ+ rights within the military and beyond.
