President Donald Trump is set to sign four executive orders aimed at reshaping the U.S. military, including a ban on transgender individuals serving in the armed forces, eliminating the military’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and reinstating back pay for service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, according to two White House officials speaking with CNN.
On January 20, Trump revoked an executive order signed by former President Biden in 2021, which allowed transgender people to serve openly and prevented military discharges based on gender identity. Trump also signed an executive order recognizing only two genders, male and female.
After arriving at the Pentagon on Monday, newly appointed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told reporters that more executive orders are forthcoming.
“Today, there are more executive orders coming, including ones to remove DEI from the Pentagon, reinstate troops discharged due to COVID mandates, and secure the Iron Dome for America,” Hegseth said. “This is happening quickly, and as Secretary of Defense, it’s my honor to ensure these orders are followed swiftly, just as I did as a junior officer.”
Monday’s executive order, according to the fact sheet, argues that allowing transgender individuals to serve openly has harmed military readiness and “unit cohesion,” an argument that has historically been used to justify the exclusion of marginalized groups such as Black Americans, women, and gay individuals from military service.
The order, first reported by the New York Post, also includes a provision prohibiting transgender women from using or sharing sleeping, changing, or bathing facilities designated for females.
