President Trump has taken significant steps to reshape the U.S. military, issuing executive orders that could exclude openly transgender individuals from service. Alongside this move, he has directed the Pentagon to scrap diversity programs and reinstate many service members who were previously dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

The orders reflect a broader effort by Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, to restore what they call an “unapologetically masculine” culture within the armed forces. They argue that diversity initiatives have lowered military standards and weakened its combat readiness.

These latest directives expand on Trump’s earlier actions to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across federal agencies. They also challenge government recognition of gender identity, insisting that gender should align with sex assigned at birth.

The new guidance goes a step further by authorizing the Defense Department to consider transgender identity a potential barrier to military service. The orders claim that identifying as a gender different from one’s biological sex conflicts with the physical, mental, and moral standards required for service.

“Expressing a false ‘gender identity’ cannot meet the rigorous demands of military life,” the order states. It argues that such identities undermine the humility and selflessness expected of service members.

This move has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing it discriminates against transgender individuals and undermines inclusivity. Supporters, however, praise it as a return to traditional values within the military.

As these changes take effect, the impact on transgender service members and the broader military community remains uncertain. One thing is clear: this decision marks a significant shift in U.S. military policy.