President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth have finally reinstated the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. This order was originally reversed during prior administrations. But Trump signed another executive order on January 27, 2025, putting the ban back into effect.
Now, the U.S. Department of Defense has finally applied this controversial screening policy that targets transgender service members. It is done by identifying people who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria during routine medical evaluations. The policy follows directives aligned with the executive order.
According to the executive order, military readiness and unit cohesion are important in the defense services, and it claims that individuals who identify with a gender different from their biological sex could cause damage to the overall military structure.
The Pentagon has also updated its protocols. They now aim to enforce this directive by integrating gender dysphoria screenings as a part of annual physical health tests conducted by the military.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been a vocal advocate of the policy. He has framed the initiative as a move to eliminate “wokeness” from the armed forces and reinforce what he terms “traditional military standards.” The administration has defended the measure as essential to discipline and cohesion.
The Trump admin’s transgender military ban is in effect beginning today.
– About 14.7k trans people currently serve in the military
– People “unwilling to adhere” to their birth sex could be discharged
– People that need hormones or gender-affirming surgery could also be denied pic.twitter.com/kxt2A65G1z
— AJ+ (@ajplus) April 12, 2019
However, it has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and legal experts. It is being said that this order discriminates against a specific population and undermines years of progress toward inclusion in the armed forces.
This policy requires commanders to ensure all service members are screened for gender dysphoria as part of their yearly medical evaluations. There is a specific question regarding gender identity that has been added to the standard physical form. It will make sexual identity a mandatory point of disclosure.
If and when a service member is identified as having gender dysphoria or discloses a transgender identity, they are flagged for additional medical and psychological evaluations. These reviews could ultimately result in them getting fired from the military.
Medical officers have also been instructed to re-examine existing medical records. Their aim is to identify previously diagnosed cases. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the individual is referred for the discharge process. If they meet narrow criteria for retention under limited exceptions, they could appeal for a stay.
Military commanders will be told to identify troops in their units who are transgender or have gender dysphoria, then send them to get medical checks in order to force them out of the service, officials said. pic.twitter.com/TWVsLoKAjy
— Eugene (@BreakingNews4X) May 16, 2025
There are almost 1,000 service members who have already received diagnoses for gender dysphoria. They are all preparing to voluntarily separate. However, the defense officials believe the actual number of affected personnel may exceed 4,200.
This screening policy suggests that many currently serving transgender individuals could soon face career-ending consequences. It would be regardless of their service record or performance.
The Pentagon has set strict deadlines for those who fall under this category to leave voluntarily. The deadline for active-duty troops to submit their separation paperwork is June 6. However, the members of the National Guard and Reserve have until July 7 to do so.
🚨 #BREAKING: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has just told active duty transgenders to resign from the military by June 6 or they will be FIRED
This comes after they received the green light from the Supreme Court
Wokeness in the U.S. military is being eradicated! 🔥🇺🇸
Trans… pic.twitter.com/33Id5lH44K
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 8, 2025
Service members who meet these deadlines are eligible for enhanced severance benefits, which are reportedly double the standard amount. It is intended to cushion the impact of their departure.
However, those who fail to meet the deadlines risk receiving lower severance payments or being subject to involuntary discharge. It could carry long-term repercussions for future employment and veteran benefits.
