Trump Expected To Sign Executive Order Banning Transgender Military Service

Donald Trump smile

Minnesota state Rep. Leigh Finke, the first out transgender member of the state’s legislature, has voiced concerns over President Donald Trump’s anticipated executive order to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. Finke believes that this move is designed to instill fear and uncertainty while promoting discrimination against transgender people, ultimately weakening the military by reducing its personnel.

According to Finke, the military is a significant employer of transgender Americans, with an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 transgender individuals currently serving. Additionally, 56 retired generals have expressed support for transgender service members, emphasizing their readiness to serve. Finke argues that removing these volunteers from service will diminish the military's preparedness.

President Trump recently revoked the Biden administration’s 2021 policy that allowed transgender individuals to serve in the military. The upcoming executive order is expected to introduce new military standards related to gender pronouns and assert that transgender service members must be barred from military service due to mental and physical readiness concerns.

14,000-15,000 transgender individuals currently serve in the military.

Rep. Finke criticizes Trump's transgender military ban as discriminatory.

56 retired generals support transgender service members.

The White House justifies these changes by citing the treatment process of gender-affirming care, claiming that transgender individuals undergoing transition may not meet military readiness requirements. Officials state that the medical treatments involved, including potential use of heavy narcotics, could hinder deployment and readiness.

Finke contends that decisions regarding medical treatments should be made in consultation between patients and their doctors, rather than through executive orders. The representative emphasizes the importance of individualized medical care and the need for such matters to be addressed within the patient-doctor relationship.

As the debate over transgender military service continues, the impact of the expected executive order on transgender service members and the military's overall readiness remains a subject of ongoing discussion and concern.