US President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he referred to as “transgender ideology” from the military, marking a significant step back for LGBTQ rights.
During a series of military-related announcements aboard Air Force One, Trump also called for the development of a US equivalent of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system.
The executive orders reinstated service members who had been dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and expanded efforts to eliminate diversity programmes 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 at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.
Trump, who previously implemented a ban on transgender troops, reiterated his opposition to recognising gender diversity. In his order, he claimed that the military had been “afflicted with radical gender ideology to appease activists” and argued that “many mental and physical health conditions are incompatible with active duty.”
The order stated, “Adopting a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honourable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in personal life.”
It further added, “A man’s assertion that he is a woman, and the demand that others honour this falsehood, is inconsistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.”
A separate order denounced diversity programmes in the military, arguing they “undermine leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, thereby eroding lethality and force readiness.” It also banned discussions on “gender ideology” and labelled theories suggesting America’s founding documents are racist or sexist as “un-American.”
The orders coincided with the start of Trump’s second week back in the White House and a welcome ceremony at the Pentagon for his newly appointed defence secretary, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, a military veteran and Fox News personality, was confirmed despite concerns over his limited experience and allegations of misconduct.
“Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will execute!” Hegseth stated on X.
Transgender Americans have experienced fluctuating military policies in recent years. Democratic administrations have pushed to allow them to serve openly, while Trump repeatedly sought to exclude them.
The US military lifted 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.
Though transgender troops represent a small fraction of the US military—estimated at around 15,000 out of more than two million personnel—their dismissal would further strain recruitment efforts amid declining enlistment numbers.
Former Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin appeared to criticise Trump’s stance earlier this month, saying, “Any military that turns away qualified patriots eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.”
Trump also renewed his promise to develop a US version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system, despite its limitations for intercontinental threats. “We need to immediately begin constructing a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defence shield,” Trump said, stressing it would be manufactured domestically.
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