Donald Trump, the U.S. President-elect, is reportedly poised to issue an executive order on January 20, 2025, banning transgender individuals from serving in the United States military.
The move, first reported by The Sunday Times, could result in the medical discharge of as many as 15,000 active-duty service members, citing their alleged unfitness for service. This decision is also expected to bar transgender individuals from enlisting in the armed forces.
Sources indicate that Trump, 78, is prioritizing this action as part of his broader effort to roll back what he refers to as “woke policies” within federal institutions.
Key to implementing these changes is former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, whom Trump has reportedly chosen to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth, a vocal critic of transgender inclusion in the military, has sparked controversy with his comments.
In a recent podcast appearance, Hegseth argued that the presence of transgender service members creates operational challenges distinct from those encountered during racial integration efforts in the military. “Transgender individuals often require specific medications, which compromises their deployability,” he claimed. This assertion has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who argue that such views perpetuate discrimination and undermine the contributions of transgender personnel.
Trump’s proposed executive order aligns with his broader campaign promises to dismantle policies he deems excessively progressive.
During his previous term, Trump initiated a ban on transgender military service in 2017, citing similar concerns. Although later modified under President Joe Biden, the proposed reinstatement marks a return to restrictive measures targeting this community.
In a related context, Trump’s re-election campaign has garnered support from certain groups, including a faction of religious Nigerians who recently staged a rally celebrating his victory.
