Trump Revises Pentagon Policy: Transgender Troops, Vaccine Mandates/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing sweeping changes to Pentagon policies, including revising rules on transgender troops, reinstating service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The order also calls for the development of a space-based missile defense system, marking the start of significant shifts in military policy under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Pentagon Policy Revisions: Quick Looks
- Transgender Troops: Trump directed the Pentagon to revise policies, paving the way for a potential ban.
- COVID-19 Mandate Reinstatements: Discharged service members may return with back pay, pending qualifications.
- Space Defense: Trump calls for a “space-based missile defense shield” as part of the Iron Dome initiative.
- DEI Rollbacks: All diversity-related programs and initiatives will be eliminated from the Department of Defense.
- Hegseth’s Role: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s tenure begins with the implementation of Trump’s directives.
Trump Revises Pentagon Policy: Transgender Troops, Vaccine Mandates
Deep Look
President Donald Trump began his second term with a series of sweeping military policy changes, signing an executive order on Monday that targets Pentagon policies on transgender service members, reinstates troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and dismantles diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The order also includes directives for creating a space-based missile defense shield, signaling a major shift in U.S. defense priorities.
The policy revisions reflect Trump’s broader agenda to reshape the military’s focus, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth taking the lead on implementation.
Transgender Troops Policy Under Review
Trump’s executive order directs Hegseth to revise Pentagon policies regarding transgender troops, likely setting the stage for a future ban. The order claims that transgender service conflicts with military discipline and readiness.
During his first term, Trump attempted a similar ban, which was tied up in court battles until President Joe Biden reversed it upon taking office in 2021. Advocacy groups, including Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign, have pledged to fight the new effort.
“Not only is such a move cruel, but it compromises the safety and security of our country,” said Sasha Buchert, a Lambda Legal attorney.
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Reinstatements
The order also reinstates service members who were discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines. An estimated 8,200 troops left the military due to the vaccine mandate, with only 113 re-enlisting since notices went out in 2023 offering reinstatement.
Trump pledged that returning troops would be restored to their former ranks and receive back pay, but the reinstatement process requires meeting strict military entry standards. Factors such as weight, fitness, and criminal records will influence eligibility.
Space-Based Missile Defense Revival
As part of Trump’s broader military strategy, the order calls for the development of a “space-based missile defense shield.” Building on his previous establishment of the U.S. Space Force, Trump has emphasized the growing threat of space weaponization by nations like China and Russia.
The initiative, dubbed “an Iron Dome for America,” revives discussions of space-based missile defense systems, which were last explored under President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative in the 1980s. Reagan’s “Star Wars” program was abandoned due to high costs and technological challenges, but Trump has directed the Pentagon to pursue a modern iteration of the concept.
The Space Force has already begun creating a network of low-orbit satellites to improve missile detection and tracking, laying the groundwork for the program.
Sweeping Rollbacks of DEI Initiatives
In line with Trump’s broader agenda to eliminate DEI initiatives across federal agencies, the order mandates the removal of all diversity-related programs from the Department of Defense.
The directive calls for the removal of any policies or training materials that promote what Trump described as “divisive concepts,” such as race or gender stereotyping. It also prohibits the promotion of theories that suggest America’s founding documents are inherently racist or sexist.
The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security have been given 30 days to issue implementation guidance, with progress reports due to the White House in six months.
The DEI rollback has already caused controversy. Last week, the Air Force temporarily removed training courses featuring the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) as part of the revisions. After public backlash, the Air Force clarified that the historical content would remain part of its curriculum while DEI materials were edited.
Reactions and Implementation Challenges
Trump’s orders have drawn mixed reactions. Advocacy groups have criticized the transgender policy review and DEI rollbacks as discriminatory, while supporters argue that these moves will refocus the military on readiness and meritocracy.
The reinstatement of troops discharged over vaccine mandates has also sparked debate. Critics argue that reinstating those who refused lawful orders sets a problematic precedent, while others see it as a way to address recruitment shortfalls.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirmed by the Senate last week, has vowed to execute Trump’s directives swiftly. “We are bringing the focus back to what our troops need to defend this country,” Hegseth said on his first day.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s executive order marks the beginning of sweeping changes within the Pentagon, with potential ripple effects across the military and beyond. The policies signal a return to Trump’s first-term priorities, emphasizing national defense, military readiness, and a rollback of progressive initiatives.
As implementation begins, the Pentagon faces the challenge of balancing Trump’s directives with operational demands and public scrutiny. Whether these changes improve military effectiveness or spark further controversy remains to be seen.
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