9th Circuit Denies Trump Request to Lift Transgender Military Ban

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Trump administration's request to pause a lower court's injunction blocking the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. This decision follows a preliminary injunction issued by US District Judge Benjamin Settle, who argued that the military has effectively operated under inclusive policies for four years. The court rejected the administration's claims that the ban is necessary for military readiness, instead emphasizing the hardships faced by transgender service members. The ruling aligns with civil rights advocates who assert the value of transgender individuals in the military. The case continues to unfold amidst ongoing legal challenges to the ban. This ruling reflects a significant legal setback for the Trump administration's efforts to enforce the policy.