Transgender US Service Members to Be Discharged Under New Pentagon Policy

A new Pentagon memorandum has revealed that transgender service members in the U.S. military will be discharged unless they receive an exemption. The policy, filed in court on February 26, 2025, effectively bans transgender individuals from enlisting or continuing their service.

The policy, which extends beyond the restrictions imposed during President Donald Trump’s first term, mandates that the Department of Defense (DoD) establish a process within 30 days to identify transgender personnel. Following this, they must be discharged within the next 30 days unless they meet strict waiver criteria.

A Pentagon statement emphasized that the decision aligns with maintaining high standards for service member readiness, cohesion, and integrity. The memorandum stated that transgender individuals, especially those diagnosed with gender dysphoria, do not meet these standards due to medical and psychological constraints.

Exemptions will be granted only if a service member’s retention directly supports U.S. warfighting capabilities. Additionally, individuals must demonstrate a stable gender identity for 36 consecutive months without clinically significant distress to qualify for a waiver.

During Trump’s previous term, a partial ban was enforced, restricting new transgender enlistments while allowing existing personnel to serve under specific conditions. However, the latest policy calls for the complete removal of transgender service members unless exempted.