The return of Donald Trump to the White House has brought with it a fresh wave of policies aimed at erasing hard-fought LGBTQ rights. In a move reminiscent of his first term, Trump has signed an executive order barring transgender individuals from enlisting or serving openly in the U.S. military. The order, titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” marks a complete reversal of the policies enacted under Joe Biden, which had allowed transgender service members to enlist and receive transition-related healthcare coverage.
This order not only denies transgender Americans the right to serve their country but also seeks to redefine military standards in a way that erases their existence. It prohibits “invented and identification-based pronoun usage” and restricts access to gender-affirming facilities, reinforcing the idea that trans identities are incompatible with military service. The administration’s justification? A familiar argument that gender dysphoria is an impediment to combat readiness. However, studies have repeatedly debunked this claim, showing that transgender individuals serve just as effectively as their cisgender counterparts.
Beyond its immediate impact on transgender troops, the move is a clear signal of the broader rollback of LGBTQ rights under Trump’s administration. Within days of taking office, he has already banned gender marker changes on passports and dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across federal agencies. These policies reflect a larger ideological shift that aims to push transgender Americans back into the shadows, making it clear that their existence is not recognized by the state.
For trans service members, the return of the ban represents not just a career-ending policy but also a fundamental attack on their dignity. Many have already sacrificed years of service under the promise that they would be treated equally. Now, they face an uncertain future, with the military expected to revise its medical and administrative policies in the coming months. The reality remains that this move is not about military readiness but about political posturing—using trans rights as a wedge issue to appeal to the most conservative corners of Trump’s base.
The consequences of this decision will be far-reaching. Not only does it threaten the livelihoods of thousands of trans Americans currently serving, but it also sends a chilling message to young LGBTQ individuals considering a career in the armed forces. With this order, Trump has made it clear: equality in the military is conditional, and trans lives are once again a political battleground.