Hegseth Criticizes Judge Over Transgender Troop Ban Ruling

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes after she issued a preliminary injunction against enforcing President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. Hegseth mocked Reyes on social media, calling her 'Commander Reyes' and suggesting she report to military bases as a planner, despite her legal decision focusing only on the treatment of personnel. Reyes's ruling cited the executive order as unconstitutional, violating equal protection rights, and stigmatizing transgender people. This case is part of broader tensions between Trump's administration and the judiciary, with multiple legal challenges facing the administration. The Trump administration plans to appeal the decision, which has sparked public debate over the rights of transgender individuals in the military. Reyes, appointed by former President Joe Biden, has stated that this ruling is likely to lead to further appeals and discussions about legal protections for transgender Americans.