The order directed the Pentagon to finalize a new policy regarding transgender service members within 30 days.
The United States Army has officially barred transgender individuals from enlisting in the military, following an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump. The decision, announced on Friday, also halts all gender-affirming medical procedures for service members.
Official Confirmation and Policy Change
In a statement, the US Army declared that it "will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military and will stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members."
This policy shift follows Trump's January 27 executive order, which stated that expressing a "gender identity inconsistent with an individual’s sex" is incompatible with the military's rigorous service standards. The order directed the Pentagon to finalize a new policy regarding transgender service members within 30 days.
Immediate Implementation
Effective immediately:
- New enlistments of individuals with a history of gender dysphoria have been suspended.
- All pending or scheduled gender-affirming medical procedures for service members have been put on hold.
Gender dysphoria is a condition in which an individual experiences distress due to a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity.
Despite the ban, the Army acknowledged the contributions of transgender personnel, stating that those currently serving "will be treated with dignity and respect."
Political Context and Broader Implications
The move aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to curb "woke culture" in government institutions, a term used by conservatives to critique progressive social policies.
The policy change was also preceded by a February 7 memo from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, which temporarily halted new transgender recruits and suspended gender-affirming care.
Additionally, Trump has signed other executive orders, including one that mandates government recognition of only two biological sexes (male and female) and another barring transgender athletes from participating in women's sports.
Trump’s Previous Stance on Transgender Military Service
During his first term (2017-2021), Trump initially sought to ban transgender individuals from military service entirely. However, his administration eventually settled on freezing recruitment while allowing those already serving to remain.
Trump has defended these policies, arguing that the military must focus on "decisive and overwhelming victory" rather than be burdened by the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" associated with transgender troops.
Looking Ahead
The policy is expected to face legal challenges and opposition from civil rights groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Meanwhile, the Biden administration, if elected, could attempt to reverse these measures, as was done previously during his first term.
