Pentagon halts transgender military recruitment, transition care

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause on the acceptance of transgender recruits and all gender-affirming medical procedures for service members, aligning with recent directives from President Trump. This decision, outlined in a memo, emphasizes a renewed focus on military readiness and capability, stating that individuals with a history of gender dysphoria will no longer be permitted to enlist. The memo cites Trump’s executive order, which argues that expressing a gender identity inconsistent with one's sex undermines military standards. Although the memo assures that current service members will be treated with dignity, it raises questions about the future of those already serving. This policy shift marks a significant change from previous administrations' stances on transgender service members and has prompted legal challenges from LGBTQ advocacy groups. The implications of these changes for existing service members remain unclear, particularly concerning ongoing medical treatments.