Trump Signs Order to Remove ‘Transgender Ideology’ from the Military

Transgender Americans serving in the military face renewed uncertainty as former President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday aimed at eliminating what he described as “transgender ideology” within the armed forces.

Speaking during a Republican congressional retreat in Miami, Trump said, “To ensure that we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military.”

The executive order, part of a series of military-related directives, also called for developing a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system and reinstating service members dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, it extended the government’s crackdown on diversity initiatives to the armed forces.

While Trump has previously vowed to reinstate a ban on transgender troops, the specifics of the new order remain unclear, as the text has yet to be made public. A White House official accompanying Trump said the order aims to eliminate “gender radicalism” within the military.

Trump’s announcement coincided with a Pentagon ceremony welcoming his newly appointed defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, a Fox News personality and military veteran. Hegseth, confirmed despite concerns about his qualifications and alleged personal controversies, pledged his support: “Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will execute!”

~A History of Policy Shifts~

The issue of transgender service members has been highly contested in recent years. During President Barack Obama’s administration in 2016, the U.S. military lifted its ban on transgender individuals serving openly, setting plans to allow transgender recruits starting July 1, 2017.

However, Trump’s first administration delayed that date to 2018 before reversing the policy entirely, citing concerns over costs, disruptions, and troop readiness. Rights groups criticized the move, while Trump argued it was necessary for maintaining military effectiveness.

President Joe Biden, Trump’s Democratic successor, reversed the restrictions in 2021, asserting that all qualified Americans should have the opportunity to serve. At the time, an estimated 15,000 transgender individuals were serving in the U.S. military out of over two million uniformed personnel. Critics now warn that Trump’s policy could reduce troop numbers at a time when the military is already struggling to recruit.

Outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin subtly criticized Trump’s plans earlier this month, stating: “Any military that turns away qualified patriots who are eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.”

~Trump’s Call for a U.S. Iron Dome~

In addition to addressing military policies, Trump reiterated his plan to develop a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. While Israel’s Iron Dome is designed to intercept short-range missiles, Trump insisted on the need for an advanced defense shield tailored to U.S. needs.
“We need to immediately begin the construction of a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield,” he said, emphasizing it would be built domestically.

However, experts note that the Iron Dome is unsuitable for defending against intercontinental missile threats, which are the primary concern for the United States.

Transgender issues and broader LGBTQ rights have become highly polarizing topics in U.S. politics, with Republican and Democratic states moving in opposite directions on medical treatments and education policies. Trump’s executive order signals a renewed push to reshape military policy as part of his broader agenda.