President Trump signs order to expel ‘transgender ideology’ out of military

President Donald Trump signs an executive order as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, on January 20, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he had signed an executive order to eliminate what he termed “transgender ideology” from the military, describing the move as essential for maintaining “the most lethal fighting force in the world.”
Speaking at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami, Trump also pledged to reinstate service members dismissed for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations and to extend a crackdown on diversity programs in the armed forces.
He additionally reiterated plans to build a US version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, which he claimed would be “made right here in the USA.”
However, critics pointed out that the Iron Dome is designed for short-range threats, making it unsuitable for defending against intercontinental missiles.
The orders mark a shift in policies governing transgender service members, reversing the inclusivity introduced during Barack Obama’s presidency.
Trump previously claimed that transgender personnel disrupted military readiness and camaraderie. His successor, Joe Biden, had overturned Trump’s earlier restrictions in 2021, arguing that anyone qualified to serve should be allowed to do so.
The military currently faces recruitment challenges, and an estimated 15,000 transgender troops could be impacted by the policy shift.
Trump’s new defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, welcomed the move, vowing to execute the president’s orders despite controversies surrounding his appointment.
Meanwhile, outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticized such policies, stating that turning away “qualified patriots” weakens the military.