Trump Moves to Ban Transgender Troops and DEI Programs in Military Overhaul

President Donald Trump is intensifying his efforts to dismantle government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, targeting the military with two new executive orders. The orders, set to be signed this week, will eliminate DEI programs from the armed forces and prohibit transgender individuals from serving. This follows Trump’s recent reversal of President Joe Biden’s 2021 policy allowing transgender people in the military.

The new directives will establish strict standards on pronoun usage and gender identity, effectively barring transgender troops from military service. Officials describe this as part of a broader crackdown on what they term "gender insanity" within the federal government. Trump’s administration argues that DEI programs, which prioritize job placements for minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities, undermine merit-based hiring practices.

Additionally, Trump plans to reinstate service members discharged for refusing Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, offering them back pay and restoring their previous ranks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will oversee the implementation of these changes, signaling a significant shift in the Pentagon’s operations.

While the exact number of transgender service members is unclear, a 2018 report estimated around 14,700 transgender troops. Critics argue that the new policies will harm military readiness and cohesion, while supporters claim they restore "common sense" to the armed forces.