A new Pentagon directive states that transgender service members will be removed from the military unless granted a waiver, expanding the restrictions of the trans military ban implemented during President Donald Trump’s first term. The policy, outlined in a memo filed in court late Wednesday, provides further details on how the administration’s stance on transgender military service will be enforced.
The memo was released as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by LGBTQ rights organizations against Trump’s executive order, which bars transgender individuals from enlisting and serving in the military. The previous ban under Trump’s first term allowed certain trans service members who had come out before the policy took effect to continue serving and receive transition-related medical care. However, those who disclosed their gender identity after the ban had to serve according to their birth sex and were prohibited from accessing medical transition services.
Stricter Regulations and Mandatory Separation
The latest policy goes beyond previous restrictions. Within 30 days, the Pentagon is required to identify service members who have “a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria,” the medical condition defined by severe emotional distress due to a misalignment between a person’s gender identity and birth sex.
Once identified, these individuals will be disqualified from service and removed from their positions. According to the memo, they will receive an honorable discharge unless their service record indicates otherwise.
While some transgender troops may be eligible for waivers, these will be considered only under specific circumstances. The memo states that a waiver may be granted “provided there is a compelling Government interest in accessing the applicant that directly supports warfighting capabilities.” Additionally, to qualify, individuals must demonstrate 36 consecutive months of stability in their sex assigned at birth without any clinical distress or functional impairment, must not have undergone any medical transition, and must agree to follow all service standards associated with their birth sex.
The Defense Department’s policy also dictates that only two sexes will be officially recognized. As a result, all service members must use sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and other sex-segregated facilities in alignment with their birth sex. Pronouns and formal address, such as “sir” or “ma’am,” must also correspond to the service member’s assigned sex at birth.
Ban on Transition-Related Medical Care
The directive also prohibits military funding from being used for transition-related medical treatments, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries. Any scheduled transition-related procedures will be canceled under the new policy. However, service members currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy will be permitted to continue treatment until their official separation from the military, as long as a medical provider recommends it.
