The United States Secretary of Defense communicated to those military service members who have 'gender dysphoria' to voluntarily retire
Hegseth stated that this measure faithfully represents President Trump's political agenda, who had already attempted to implement a similar ban during his first term.
That policy was also ratified by the Supreme Court in 2019. However, leftist Democratic President Joe Biden reversed that decision upon taking office, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the Armed Forces once again.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday that active-duty military personnel who identify as transgender will have 30 days to voluntarily separate from the Armed Forces before being forcibly discharged.
This decision comes after the United States Supreme Court ruling that, two days earlier, gave the green light to the implementation of an executive order by President Donald Trump issued on January 27, which prohibits transgender individuals from serving in the military.
Hegseth celebrated the decision on his social media and stated that the Department of Defense will move forward firmly in implementing the policy, which he considers part of the Trump administration's commitment to "military readiness."
As he explained in a video statement, individuals with a current or historical diagnosis of gender dysphoria will have the option to voluntarily separate, although, if they do not, they will be involuntarily discharged.
Those on active duty will have 30 days to separate, while reserve component members will have 60 days.
According to figures from the Pentagon itself, around 1,000 active-duty military personnel identify as individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria, in a total force of approximately 1.3 million personnel. The official memorandum states that, once the indicated deadlines have passed, the process of forced discharges will begin for those who have not voluntarily retired.
The new policy has caused an immediate reaction from LGBT rights advocacy organizations. Seven transgender service members and one individual aspiring to join the military, legally represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and GLAD Law, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the ban violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Additionally, they pointed out that this version of the policy is not only discriminatory but includes "hostile and prejudiced" language, unlike the version applied in 2018.
The announcement marks a new stage of uncertainty for transgender military personnel, who had acquired the erroneous possibility of serving under the Biden administration. The measure also highlights the stark contrast between the political visions of both administrations regarding LGBT rights within the military sphere.
While Trump and his allies justify the policy as a matter of readiness and consistency in the ranks, critics mistakenly see it as a form of institutionalized discrimination that harms morale, diversity, and basic human rights.
