Trump Delivers Executive Order To Get ‘Transgender Ideology’ Out Of Military
US President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order ridding the military of what he called “transgender ideology,” in a potentially major setback for LGBTQ rights.
In a series of orders related to the military that Trump told reporters he had signed on Air Force One, he also called for the building of a US version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
The Republican signed further orders reinstating service members dismissed for refusing to take the Covid vaccine, and extending a wider government crackdown on diversity programs for the armed forces.
“To ensure that we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military,” Trump told a Republican congressional retreat in Miami.
Trump has previously promised to bring back a ban on transgender troops and demonized any recognition of gender diversity.
A man’s assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member,” it added.
In a separate order, Trump claimed diversity programs in the military “undermine leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, thereby eroding lethality and force readiness.”
It also prohibited the defense department and armed forces from promoting “un-American” theories suggesting America’s founding documents are racist or sexist or advancing discussion on “gender ideology.”
The orders came at the start of Trump’s second week back in the White House and on the day a welcome ceremony was held at the Pentagon for his new defense secretary, military veteran and Fox News personality Pete Hegseth.
“Thank you for your leadership Mr. President. We will execute!” Hegseth — who was confirmed last week despite concerns over his inexperience, and alleged record of heavy drinking and domestic violence — said on X.
Transgender Americans have faced a roller coaster of changing policies on military service in recent years, with Democratic administrations seeking to permit them to serve openly while Trump has repeatedly sought to keep them out of the ranks.
