In a move that further intensifies the Trump administration’s efforts to purge transgender individuals from the military, the U.S. Department of the Navy has issued new procedures for removing transgender service members. This directive, filed in federal court on Thursday, orders involuntary separations of personnel with a history of gender dysphoria after March 28.
It follows the administration’s previous orders reversing policies that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly. Critics, including Shannon Minter from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, argue the waiver process is designed to be nearly impossible, effectively forcing out transgender troops. Minter described the situation as “extortion,” noting the policy leaves service members with life-altering decisions. Legal challenges to the ban are ongoing, with the U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes questioning the lack of evidence supporting the administration’s claims and the feasibility of the waiver process.
Reyes is expected to rule on a preliminary injunction by March 19, which could block the implementation of the policy. As the military moves to enforce these new restrictions, critics warn that the policy will harm military readiness by removing experienced personnel. LGBTQ activists note that the new orders will be carried out in virtual sync of the Trans Day of Visibility recognition of the importance of the Trans community in America.
