- Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has been reportedly planning to ban transgender from serving in the military
- Trump was said to be working towards an executive order on the day of his inauguration, which is January 20
- According to Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense said the move was not based on a social experiment but for military effectiveness
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sign an executive order on January 20, 2025, banning transgender individuals from serving in the United States military. This move would reinstate Trump’s 2017 ban, which was initially announced via Twitter, now X, citing concerns over medical costs and potential disruptions to military readiness.
The policy would bar transgender individuals from enlisting and discharging those who have undergone gender-affirming medical treatments. According to Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, “This is about military effectiveness, not social experiments.” Hegseth argued that transgender personnel are “not deployable” due to their reliance on medical treatments like hormone therapy.
Trump re-introduced old policy on transgender
The planned ban contrasts sharply with policies introduced during the Barack Obama administration, which allowed transgender individuals to serve openly. Since then, the military has worked to integrate transgender service members, fostering inclusivity and recognition of their contributions. Transgender service members have shared compelling accounts of resilience and pride, highlighting the life-changing impact of serving authentically.
Yahoo News reported that despite personal testimonies from transgender service members, the financial costs associated with transgender military care remain a point of contention. Since 2020, the Pentagon has spent over $26 million on gender-affirming treatments, including hormone therapy, psychotherapy, and surgeries. Critics argue that these expenses are minimal in comparison to the military’s overall healthcare budget.
The proposed ban reignites a contentious debate about inclusion and readiness within the U.S. military. Advocates of transgender service argue that authenticity and diversity strengthen the armed forces, while opponents frame the issue as one of operational efficiency. For transgender service members, the stakes are deeply personal, and this decision could upend lives and careers.
Nigerian lawyer reacts to US election results
Legit.ng earlier reporter that the US Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat in the November presidential election has remained a topic of discussion and reflection.
Titilope Anifowoshe, a Nigerian lawyer, reflected on the outcome of the US election and what it means for women who are trying to break barriers.
Anifowoshe also extolled the virtues of Kamala Harris as a leader and the hope of the girl-child who has dreams.
Source: Legit.ng