Pentagon Begins Removal of Transgender Troops Following Supreme Court Ruling

The Pentagon will begin removing up to 1,000 openly transgender service members from the US military following a Supreme Court decision that allows enforcement of the Trump administration’s ban on transgender individuals in the armed forces, The Associated Press reports.

In a directive issued Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed the military to begin reviewing medical records to identify service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria, the medical condition defined by a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity. These troops will be given 30 days to voluntarily self-identify before facing involuntary separation

While the Defense Department acknowledges it is difficult to determine the total number of transgender personnel, officials say medical records will be key in identifying individuals currently receiving treatment for gender dysphoria. As of December 9, 2024, 4,240 service members across the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve had been diagnosed with the condition, though the actual number may be higher.

This latest directive closely mirrors one issued in February but delayed by litigation. The Supreme Court’s decision this week has cleared the way for implementation, even as ongoing legal challenges continue. The court’s majority did not explain its reasoning, a common practice in emergency rulings, while its three liberal justices said they would have blocked the policy.

The Pentagon said that the 1,000 service members who have already self-identified will begin the “voluntary separation process.” Active duty members now have until June 6 to declare their transgender status, while National Guard and Reserve personnel have until July 7.

In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the process is underway:

“We are executing the directive in accordance with the court’s ruling. Our goal remains maintaining readiness and standards.”

The policy also bars anyone with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from enlisting in the military, with limited exemptions. Applicants or current service members may be considered for waivers only if they have not transitioned, have supported essential warfighting needs, and can demonstrate a minimum of 36 months of medical and psychological stability in their birth sex without significant distress.

Any waiver granted under the new rules would still restrict individuals to using facilities and receiving recognition based solely on their biological sex, including sleeping quarters, restrooms, and formal address.

According to internal estimates, the Department of Defense spent approximately $52 million between 2015 and 2024 on gender-affirming healthcare for service members, including psychotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgeries.

The Pentagon has defended the policy, arguing that gender dysphoria presents medical and psychological challenges that are “incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service.”