Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has declared a suspension on transgender-related medical procedures for service members and has instituted a ban on individuals with gender dysphoria from enlisting in the military.
This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order issued last month, which did not outright prohibit transgender individuals from serving but instead instructed the Pentagon to formulate a policy within 30 days that prioritizes military readiness.
The order states that the previous policy before Trump’s directive was “inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria.”
“Effective immediately, all new enlistments of individuals with a history of gender dysphoria are halted, and any unscheduled, scheduled, or planned medical procedures related to gender transition for service members are suspended,” reports National Review, citing a memo from Hegseth dated February 7.
Hegseth assured that those currently serving with gender dysphoria would be treated with “dignity and respect.” He has tasked the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness with developing guidance for active service members affected by the directive and overseeing its implementation.
Hegseth’s memo became public as part of a legal challenge from service members contesting Trump’s executive order, which reversed former President Joe Biden’s policy allowing transgender individuals to serve and receive medical treatment.
Trump’s directive argues that transgender identification may hinder military readiness, emphasizing that medical treatments required for transgender service members could impair their physical performance.
During his confirmation process, Hegseth highlighted his commitment to addressing the needs of the average soldier and elevating military standards. In the memo, Hegseth contends that classifying troops by identity groups weakens the military and should be avoided.
Absolutely fabulous! Our military needs the soldiers who sign up to defend our country, not their genitalia.