Trump Administration Sets March Deadline for Transgender Service Members to Leave Military

A new policy bans transgender individuals from serving openly, prompting legal challenges and accusations of discrimination.

The Trump administration issued a March 26 deadline for transgender service members to voluntarily leave the military or face uncertain administrative proceedings.
A Department of Defense memo revokes previous waivers for transgender accommodations, requiring adherence to 'biological sex' standards for uniforms, grooming, and facilities.
The administration has admitted in court that it does not track the number of transgender service members and lacks evidence to justify the ban.
Legal challenges argue the policy violates constitutional equal protection rights, with hearings for injunctions scheduled in Washington, D.C., and Seattle courts this month.
Advocates and military experts warn the ban undermines military readiness by targeting skilled personnel and contradicts prior studies showing no adverse impact from transgender service members.