President Trump signed four executive orders related to the military, one of which reinstates a ban on transgender people serving openly or enlisting. The executive order also prohibits coverage for transition-related medical care under the military health care program. Trump’s administration argues that trans individuals are not physically capable of meeting military readiness requirements after transition surgeries. The order also aims to end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military and disbands related offices. These moves continue Trump’s efforts to roll back transgender rights efforts and deny recognition of more than two sexes. The Department of Defense has reported spending millions on transition-related care for active-duty service members. Estimates of the number of transgender people serving in the military vary widely, ranging from as low as 2,150 to as high as 15,500. The implementation of Trump’s new orders will take time, and it is unclear what will happen to transgender service members who were receiving transition-related care through Tricare. Trans advocates, like Commander Emily Shilling, who has served in the Navy since 2005 and is the president of SPARTA, are disappointed by the new restrictions and just want to continue serving their country. Trump’s current focus on banning transgender military service and ending diversity programs is in line with his administration’s previous actions in this area.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
