Trump to sign order banning transgender people from US military service

President Trump plans to sign an executive order banning transgender individuals from serving openly in the military. This follows his January 20 revocation of a Biden-era order that supported transgender service and affirmed the existence of only two genders.

The new order mandates Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to establish military readiness requirements that challenge the capability of transgender troops. It also restricts transgender women from using facilities designated for females.

The fact sheet dismisses transgender identities, referring to individuals as “trans-identifying.” The order claims that allowing transgender service undermines military readiness and cohesion, reflecting a shift in language from previous administrations.

Additionally, Trump is expected to abolish diversity programs in the military and reinstate service members discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine.