U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at removing what he described as “transgender ideology” from the military, marking a significant rollback of LGBTQ rights.
During a series of announcements aboard Air Force One, Trump also called for the development of a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system and reinstated service members dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the orders expanded efforts to eliminate diversity programs within the armed forces.
“To ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military,” Trump declared at a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.
He reiterated his opposition to recognizing gender diversity, claiming the military had been “afflicted with radical gender ideology to appease activists.” He argued that “many mental and physical health conditions are incompatible with active duty.”
The order stated, “Adopting a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in personal life.” It also claimed, “A man’s assertion that he is a woman, and the demand that others honor this falsehood, is inconsistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.”
Another order criticized diversity programs in the military, stating they “undermine leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, thereby eroding lethality and force readiness.” It banned discussions on “gender ideology” and condemned theories labeling America’s founding documents as racist or sexist as “un-American.”
The announcements coincided with Trump’s second week back in office and a welcome ceremony at the Pentagon for his new defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. Despite concerns about his limited experience and allegations of misconduct, Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News personality, was confirmed for the role.
“Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will execute!” Hegseth wrote on X.
Policies surrounding transgender Americans in the military have fluctuated over the years. While Democratic administrations have sought to allow transgender individuals to serve openly, Trump has consistently worked to exclude them.
The U.S. military lifted its ban on transgender service members in 2016 under President Barack Obama. Trump delayed and ultimately reversed the policy during his first term, but President Joe Biden reinstated inclusive policies in 2021.
Although transgender troops represent a small portion of the military—estimated at around 15,000 out of over two million personnel—their exclusion could exacerbate ongoing recruitment challenges. Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently appeared to criticize Trump’s stance, stating, “Any military that turns away qualified patriots eager to serve is just making itself smaller and weaker.”
Trump also reiterated his plan to develop a U.S. version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, emphasizing its domestic manufacturing. “We need to immediately begin constructing a state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defense shield,” he said, despite its limitations in addressing intercontinental threats.
