Trump signs order to ban ‘transgender ideology’ in military

 

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at removing what he termed “transgender ideology” from the military, signaling a significant rollback of LGBTQ rights.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump made several military-related announcements, including plans to develop a U.S. equivalent of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.

The executive orders also reinstated service members dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and targeted diversity programs within the armed forces.

“To ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military,” Trump declared during a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.

The president, who previously implemented a ban on transgender troops, reinforced his opposition to gender diversity. In his order, Trump claimed that the military had been “afflicted with radical gender ideology to appease activists,” adding that many associated health conditions were “incompatible with active duty.”

The 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 also described the acknowledgment of gender identities inconsistent with biological sex as being “inconsistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.”

A separate executive order took aim at diversity programs in the military, claiming they undermine leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, thereby reducing readiness and lethality. The directive also banned discussions on “gender ideology” and condemned theories framing America’s founding documents as racist or sexist as “un-American.”

The executive orders mark the beginning of Trump’s second week back in office and were followed by a Pentagon ceremony welcoming newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A military veteran and Fox News personality, Hegseth’s confirmation raised concerns over his limited experience and past allegations of misconduct.

“Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will execute!” Hegseth stated on X (formerly Twitter).

The fluctuating policies on transgender service members over the years have sparked controversy. Under President Barack Obama in 2016, the U.S. military lifted its ban on transgender individuals serving openly. Trump reversed this during his first term, while President Joe Biden reinstated inclusive policies in 2021.

An estimated 15,000 transgender troops serve in the U.S. military, accounting for a small fraction of the total force of over two million personnel. Critics argue their dismissal would worsen recruitment challenges amid declining enlistment numbers.

Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin appeared to counter Trump’s stance earlier this month, stating, “Any military that turns away qualified patriots eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.”

In addition to addressing military policies, Trump renewed his commitment to developing a U.S.-based Iron Dome missile defense system. Despite the system’s limitations for intercontinental threats, Trump stressed the need for a state-of-the-art defense shield manufactured domestically.

“We need to immediately begin constructing a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield,” he said.

The executive orders and Trump’s military policies have drawn both praise and criticism, reflecting the broader political divide on issues of diversity and inclusion within the armed forces.