Trump may label transgenders as 'unfit' for US military service
President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, is reportedly planning to sign an executive order deeming transgender people "unfit" for military service. The move, which is expected to be enacted on his first day in office (January 20), could affect around 15,000 transgender service members, some of whom hold senior positions in the military. The order would lead to their medical discharge from service.
Broader restrictions on transgender rights planned
Apart from the military, Trump's administration is also looking to impose wider restrictions on transgender rights in other sectors of the United States. These include education, healthcare, and sports. The proposed policies could deny transgender students Title IX protections and exclude gender-affirming care from Medicaid and Medicare coverage. Trump has also spoken against transgender women competing in women's sports.
Past and future controversies surrounding transgender rights
This isn't Trump's first controversial position on transgender rights. In his first term in 2017, he rolled back federal protections for transgender students on bathroom use. Trump's administration also proposed rules permitting faith-based agencies to exclude LGBTQ+ parents while receiving federal funds. The upcoming executive order could stir more controversy than Trump's previous ban on new transgender recruits, a decision later overturned by President Joe Biden in 2021.
New order more significant than earlier
Unlike his previous term where only new recruitments of transgender people were affected, sources have claimed that the new executive order is going to be more wide-ranging. "Should a trans ban be implemented from day one of the Trump administration it would undermine the readiness of the military and create an even greater recruitment and retention crisis, not to mention signaling vulnerability to America's adversaries," said Rachel Branaman of Modern Military Association of Americas as per The Times.
Vice President-elect Vance's comments add to controversy
The controversy over transgender rights has only been exacerbated by Trump's Vice President-elect JD Vance's comments. Vance claimed that some white children are pushed to "become" trans for college admissions benefits. The remark has sparked widespread backlash and criticism. The debate over gender identity in service roles continues, with pro-Trump supporters arguing that the decision is in keeping with military needs and critics pointing to recruitment challenges.
