On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he referred to as “transgender ideology” within the military, marking a significant step back for LGBTQ rights.
Speaking aboard Air Force One during a series of military-related announcements, Trump also called for the development of a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
The executive orders reinstated service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and expanded measures to eliminate diversity programs across the armed forces.
“To ensure we maintain the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military,” Trump declared at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.
This order, which follows Trump’s previous ban on transgender troops, reinforced his opposition to recognizing gender diversity in the armed forces. Trump asserted that the military had been “burdened by radical gender ideology to appease activists” and claimed that “many mental and physical health conditions are incompatible with active duty.”
The executive order stated, “Adopting a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in personal life.” It added, “A man’s assertion that he is a woman, and the demand for others to honor this falsehood, is inconsistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.”
Another executive order criticized diversity initiatives within the military, claiming they “undermine leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, thereby eroding lethality and force readiness.” The order also banned discussions on “gender ideology” and dismissed theories framing America’s founding documents as inherently racist or sexist, labeling them as “un-American.”
These actions coincide with Trump’s second week back in the White House and align with a ceremonial welcome at the Pentagon for his newly appointed Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News personality, was confirmed despite concerns over his limited experience and past allegations of misconduct.
“Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will execute!” Hegseth posted on X.
Policies for transgender individuals in the U.S. military have fluctuated in recent years. Democratic administrations have sought to allow transgender individuals to serve openly, while Trump has repeatedly pushed for their exclusion. The military first removed its ban on transgender service members in 2016 under President Barack Obama, but Trump delayed and ultimately reversed the policy during his first term. President Joe Biden reinstated inclusive policies upon taking office in 2021.
Although transgender troops account for a small fraction of military personnel—around 15,000 out of more than two million—their exclusion could exacerbate the challenges of declining recruitment numbers. Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indirectly criticized Trump’s stance, stating earlier this month, “Any military that turns away qualified patriots eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.”
In addition to these measures, Trump reiterated his commitment to developing a U.S.-made Iron Dome missile defense system to protect against airborne threats. “We must immediately begin constructing a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield,” Trump emphasized, adding that the system would be manufactured domestically.
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