(LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Army has announced that it will no longer permit transgender individuals to enlist and will halt all gender-affirming medical care for current service members. The policy shift was revealed Friday through a social media post.
Policy Announcement
“The #USArmy will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military and will stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members. Stay tuned for more details,” the Army stated in its announcement.
This decision follows an executive order signed by President Trump on Jan. 27, which directed the Pentagon to determine a policy for transgender service members within 30 days. The order asserts that expressing a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex is incompatible with military service, citing the need for an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.
Defense Department Actions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a Feb. 7 memo that paused the enlistment of recruits diagnosed with gender dysphoria and halted all gender-affirming care for active-duty service members. This memo has been included in the D.C. District Court docket, where a legal challenge to the president’s executive order is currently pending.
Pushback from Advocacy Groups
The decision has sparked immediate criticism from SPARTA Pride, a nonprofit advocating for transgender service members and veterans. In response to the policy shift, the organization emphasized the contributions of transgender personnel:
“Transgender service members have been serving openly for almost ten years and currently fill critical roles in every branch and specialty, including infantry, aviation, nuclear engineering, law enforcement, and military intelligence. Many of these positions require years of specialized training and expertise. The readiness and physical capabilities of transgender service members is not different from that of other service members.”
Broader Policy Implications
The Army’s move aligns with another executive order from the president, which declares that the federal government will only recognize two sexes: male and female.
The policy changes mark a significant reversal from previous military regulations and are expected to face legal challenges in the coming weeks as advocacy groups and affected service members prepare to fight the new restrictions.
