Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's latest directive marks a significant shift in military healthcare policy affecting thousands of transgender service members.
According to Fox News, the Pentagon has issued a memo prohibiting all new hormone treatments and surgical procedures for transgender troops while setting a June 6 deadline for their removal from service.
The Defense Department's Acting Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, Stephen Ferrara, has instructed officials to implement the changes immediately, affecting an estimated 4,240 transgender individuals currently serving in active duty and National Guard positions.
The directive follows President Donald Trump's January executive order that reversed Biden-era policies permitting transgender military service.
The Pentagon's latest action comes after the Supreme Court granted approval for the Trump administration to implement its transgender military ban. This ruling allows the Defense Department to proceed with discharging current transgender service members and rejecting new recruits while legal challenges continue.
One anonymous transgender service member expressed deep disappointment with the decision, describing it as a targeted attack on their community. The service member, speaking under condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, emphasized the discriminatory nature of the new healthcare restrictions.
Defense Secretary Hegseth has openly supported the removal of diversity initiatives, particularly those protecting transgender troops. His recent social media activity included criticism of transgender healthcare coverage, stating his opposition to taxpayer funding for such treatments.
The Defense Department's memo outlines a clear timeline for transgender service members to either voluntarily leave or face removal from military service. This deadline, set for June 6, affects thousands of currently serving personnel.
Military experts suggest the actual number of transgender service members might exceed official estimates of 4,240 individuals. The discrepancy highlights the challenges in accurately assessing the policy's full impact on military personnel.
The Pentagon's decision has sparked concerns about maintaining military readiness while implementing such significant personnel changes. Critics argue that removing experienced service members could affect unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.
Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon has marked a decisive shift away from inclusive policies. His public statements reflect a determined approach to implementing Trump's military directives.
The Defense Secretary previously indicated his commitment to preventing transgender healthcare coverage when he responded to reports about potential treatment resumption. His social media post explicitly stated his intention to block such initiatives. Current estimates indicate this policy change will impact thousands of service members who must now choose between their gender identity and military service.
The Pentagon's directive to halt gender transition treatment marks a significant policy shift under Trump's presidency and Hegseth's leadership. The Defense Department's new stance affects thousands of transgender service members who must either leave the military or forgo transition-related healthcare by June 6. This development follows Trump's January executive order and received Supreme Court approval, allowing for implementation despite ongoing legal challenges. The policy impacts an estimated 4,240 transgender troops in active duty and National Guard positions, though advocates suggest the actual number could be higher.
