9th Circuit Blocks Trump Transgender Military Ban Again

The Trump administration's attempt to reinstate a ban on transgender military service has faced significant legal challenges, with multiple federal judges, including U.S. District Judges Ana Reyes and Benjamin Settle, issuing preliminary injunctions blocking the enforcement of the ban due to insufficient evidence regarding military readiness and unit cohesion. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld these injunctions, rejecting the administration's request to pause the rulings. The administration argues the ban is essential for military readiness, but judges have noted that the military previously operated effectively under policies permitting transgender service. Retired transgender military personnel and other advocates assert that the ban is discriminatory and undermines military values of integrity and freedom. This ongoing legal battle highlights deep societal and legal divisions over transgender rights in the military.