WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – In his inaugural address on Monday, President Donald Trump pledged to reinstate military personnel who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, promising to restore their positions and provide back pay.
Trump described the removals as unjust, vowing to act swiftly to correct what he called a wrongful expulsion of service members who opposed the vaccine mandate.
Between August 2021 and January 2023, approximately 8,000 troops were dismissed for refusing the vaccine, though the military granted some exemptions for medical or religious reasons.
While the number represents less than 1% of total military personnel, the issue became a point of contention for the Biden administration and the Pentagon.
Some discharged service members challenged the mandate in court, arguing it was an unlawful requirement.
