Pentagon Issues Order to Relocate Up to 1,000 Transgender Service Members from the Military

The Pentagon has announced it will commence the removal of up to 1,000 openly transgender service members from the military, as mandated by a new directive issued on Thursday. This decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that permits the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals in the armed forces.

In the wake of this directive, the Department of Defense will begin reviewing medical records to identify service members who have not disclosed their transgender status. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has openly expressed his support for this directive, stating his intent to eliminate what he describes as “wokeness and weakness” within the military.

Hegseth has emphasized a shift away from inclusive practices, such as using gender-neutral pronouns. The Department of Defense has acknowledged that determining the exact number of transgender service members is challenging, but records will clarify those diagnosed with gender dysphoria or undergoing treatment.

These individuals will be involuntarily discharged, and no new enlistments will be permitted for those with this diagnosis. As of December 9, 2024, it was reported that there were 4,240 active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members diagnosed with gender dysphoria, though official estimates suggest the actual amount may be higher within the total military population of approximately 2.1 million.

The new directive builds upon a previous memorandum from earlier this year, which faced delays due to ongoing legal challenges. The Supreme Court’s ruling allows the Pentagon to proceed while additional legal disputes unfold.

The court’s liberal justices expressed concern about the policy’s enforcement, indicating a divide on the issue. Under the new guidelines, active-duty service members have until June 6, 2024, to voluntarily self-identify, while those in the National Guard and Reserve have until July 7, 2024.

Limited exemptions are provided under the new policy for certain cases, such as if an individual can demonstrate a direct contribution to warfighting efforts. Nevertheless, those who obtain a waiver would still be treated according to their biological sex in various settings, including bathroom access and official recognition.