The U.S. government is preparing to remove transgender individuals from military service, with the process set to begin next month, according to an announcement made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a memo issued on May 8, Hegseth instructed the Department of Defense to start the separation process, referring to President Donald Trump’s executive order as the legal foundation for this action.
Active-duty transgender personnel have until June 6 to voluntarily separate, with eligibility for separation pay, while reserve members have until July 7 to do the same. Hegseth stated that serving in the military is not in the best interest of those with a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria, citing concerns related to national security.
Approximately 1,000 transgender service members who have self-identified are expected to begin the voluntary separation process. This move follows the reversal of a policy enacted during the Biden administration, which allowed transgender individuals to serve openly in the military. Upon President Trump’s arrival in office, the policy was rescinded.
Although legal challenges are ongoing, the Supreme Court recently ruled that the Trump administration’s policy should remain in place while these legal disputes continue. Hegseth celebrated the Court’s decision, framing it as a victory for the president’s agenda. He emphasized that this action aligns with what the American people voted for and pledged to continue pursuing this policy.
Civil rights groups have condemned the decision. Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, both involved in legal challenges, called the ruling a harmful setback for transgender service members. They argued that the ban is rooted in prejudice rather than military readiness. They vowed to continue fighting the policy in court, asserting that it violates constitutional rights to equal protection.
The situation remains fluid, with legal battles and political debates surrounding the future of transgender service members in the U.S. military.
