Trump Reinstates Transgender Military Ban, Abolishes DEI Programs in Pentagon

President Donald Trump has signed two critical executive orders that impact the U.S. military. One order prevents transgender people from serving, while the other removes all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the Department of Defense.

Signed on Monday night, these orders bring back policies from Trump's first term and show a change in the Pentagon's focus. The president also signed a new order that allows service members who were fired for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine to be rehired, and they will receive their back pay.

Trump's executive order says that people with gender confusion cannot meet the strict requirements for joining the military. The order says that being transgender does not match the behavior and honesty expected from service members.

Trump wrote that adopting a gender identity different from a person's sex goes against a soldier's commitment to living honorably, truthfully, and with discipline, both in their job and personal life, beyond just medical treatments.

This policy brings back a version of the 2017 ban that was implemented during Trump’s first term and later canceled by President Joe Biden. Advocacy groups, like Out for National Security, which helps LGBTQ+ people in national security jobs, have strongly criticized the move.

"Transgender service members play important roles in the U.S. military," said Luke Schleusener, the CEO of the group. "With serious threats around the world and difficulties in recruiting soldiers, letting these servicemembers go will weaken our military strength. It will also create confusion, hurt teamwork, and increase important skill shortages, costing American taxpayers money."

In a different order, Trump instructed the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, which manages the Coast Guard, to eliminate all DEI offices and projects. This decision is part of a more significant movement by conservatives opposing DEI programs in government, schools, and businesses.

Critics of ending DEI programs say that these programs are essential for creating an inclusive  military. Trump's government believes these programs are unnecessary and take attention away from being ready for military operations.

Trump has asked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to revise all military plans to align with the new instructions. It's unclear how fast the changes will happen or if there will be any legal issues.

These executive moves mark a significant change in military policies, sparking discussions about inclusion and readiness in the U.S. military.

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