US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to eliminate what he describes as “trans ideology” in the US military. According to Trump, the order aims to ensure a stronger and more effective fighting force.
The order states that the expression of a gender identity that differs from biological sex is not consistent with military norms and obligations.
“To ensure that we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military”, Trump said, according to AFP news agency.
The document further emphasizes that the adoption of a gender identity that is not consistent with biological sex violates a soldier’s duty to live an honorable, truthful and disciplined life, even off duty.
“A man’s assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member”, the order states.
BREAKING: Trump announces four new executive orders:
1) Directing Pete Hegseth to build an Iron Dome system for the US
2) Removing Transgender ideology from the US military
3) Removing Critical Race Theory from the US military
4) Full reinstatement of military fired because… pic.twitter.com/8zhdUlD8SL— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) January 28, 2025
Biden revamped the policy
Beyond the trans issue, the presidential order includes a broader update to medical criteria for military service. The Pentagon is asked to update guidelines on physical and mental health requirements to ensure that only those who are fully combat-capable are accepted for service.
Among the health conditions identified as potentially disqualifying are mental illnesses, extensive medication, bipolar diagnoses, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, and a history of psychiatric treatment. According to the administration, these factors can affect a soldier’s readiness and ability to perform their duties under extreme conditions.
Trump’s decision builds on his previous directive from 2017, which barred transgender people from openly serving in the military. That policy was rescinded by the Biden administration in 2021, but Trump’s new order now reinstates a more restrictive stance.
While the order does not immediately ban transgender people from serving, it tasks the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security with reviewing medical guidelines and presenting an action plan to implement the changes.
Wanting to reform the army
Meanwhile, the decision has already been met with legal challenges. Lobbying organizations working for transgender rights have filed a lawsuit against the order in a federal court in Washington.
The Department of Defense has assured in a statement that despite the left-liberal criticism, it will implement the president’s order in accordance with national security objectives.
“We will fully execute and implement all directives outlined in the executive orders issued by the president, ensuring that they are carried out with utmost professionalism, efficiency, and in alignment with national security objectives“, reads the statement from the Pentagon.
Trump’s action is part of a broader effort to reform the US military. In addition to the trans issue, his recently signed executive order also includes an air defense buildup and plans to develop a US version of Israel’s Iron Dome.