U.S. Military Begins Process to Remove Approximately 1,000 Transgender Troops Following Trump Administration’s Ban
U.S. Military Begins Process to Remove Approximately 1,000 Transgender Troops Following Trump Administration’s Ban
The U.S. military has announced it will begin the process of removing approximately 1,000 transgender service members, with those who do not voluntarily depart by early June facing involuntary separation, according to the Pentagon.
This action follows President Donald Trump’s January executive order that barred transgender individuals from serving in the military. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the ban can be enforced while legal challenges continue.
A Pentagon memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth states, “The Military Departments will immediately begin processing for separation service members who previously self-identified for voluntary separation prior to March 26, 2025.” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell indicated that about 1,000 troops who have identified as having gender dysphoria fall into this category.
As of late last year, approximately 4,240 service members with gender dysphoria diagnoses were serving, according to a senior defense official. The memo clarifies that troops who do not voluntarily leave by June 6 (active-duty personnel) and June 7 (reserves) will be subject to involuntary separation.
The memo also notes that once the window for voluntary self-identification closes, the military will initiate involuntary separation procedures.
President Trump’s January executive order argued that “expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.” Following this, in late February, the Pentagon issued guidance that required transgender troops to obtain waivers to continue service or face discharge. The policy also restricted new enlistments of transgender individuals.
Historically, policies regarding transgender service members have fluctuated, with Democratic administrations generally supporting their right to serve openly, and the Trump administration taking steps to restrict or exclude transgender individuals from military service.
