Pentagon Chief Hegseth Criticizes Judge for Blocking Transgender Military Ban

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has joined President Donald Trump in openly criticizing U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who recently blocked a ban on transgender troops in the military, suggesting she exceeded her authority. In a post on social media, Hegseth mockingly referred to Reyes as 'Commander Reyes' and accused her of overstepping her judicial role in military affairs. This controversy stems from Trump's January 27 executive order, which aimed to limit legal rights for transgender individuals and was deemed likely unconstitutional by Reyes. The tensions between Trump’s administration and the judiciary have escalated, with Trump and others targeting judges who issue rulings against his policies, raising concerns about judicial safety. Trump has called for the impeachment of judges he perceives as biased, prompting rare public rebukes from judicial leaders. Over 100 lawsuits challenging various Trump initiatives are currently in federal courts.