Order Could Discharge 15,000 Transgender Troops and Bar New Enlistments
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing an executive order to remove all transgender service members from the U.S. military once he returns to office, as reported by The Times.
The proposed order could be issued on Jan. 20, his first day back in the White House, and would result in the medical discharge of an estimated 15,000 active-duty transgender personnel. The discharges would label them as medically unfit to serve, sources said.
The policy would also impose a ban on transgender individuals from enlisting in the military. This move comes as nearly all branches of the U.S. armed forces are struggling to meet recruitment goals.
Trump, 78, has frequently criticized what he refers to as “woke” policies in the military, claiming that some senior leaders prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives over combat readiness. According to a Newsweek article, Donald Trump’s transition team denied that any such policy decisions had been made, but Trump has previously denied that Project 2025 was the roadmap of his next term and then admitted, once he won the election, that it was true.
Also, despite this denial, one of Trump’s most vocal allies Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said, “This will improve recruitment and save money.” with no explanation as to how such an action would lead to saving money or increase recruitment.
This proposal is expected to go further than the transgender military ban Trump implemented during his first term, which barred transgender individuals from joining but allowed those already serving to remain.
