US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly plans to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military through an executive order on his first day back in the White House, according to a report by The Sunday Times citing defence sources. The policy, which would medically discharge approximately 15,000 transgender service members and prevent new enlistments, comes at a time when nearly all branches of the US military are grappling with recruitment challenges.

This isnt the first time Trump has imposed a transgender ban on US military. While serving as president from 2017 to 2021, he announced a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military in 2017. This barred transgender people from enlisting but allowed currently serving personnel to keep their jobs. The policy was implemented in 2019 before being reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

This proposed military ban is part of a broader strategy to target transgender rights, which was a central theme of Trumps 2024 campaign. His campaign spent millions on advertisements criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies on transgender issues and doubled down on Republican rhetoric opposing “woke” ideologies.

Sweeping Policies on Transgender Rights

In addition to the military ban, Trumps platform includes measures targeting transgender healthcare and education. The president-elect has pledged to withhold federal funding from public schools that promote gender identity concepts, including transitioning. He has also promised to impose strict penalties on healthcare providers that offer gender-affirming surgeries or care to minors, threatening their compliance with federal health standards and their eligibility for government funding.

The GOP platform for 2024, heavily influenced by Trumps “America First” agenda, lists “Keep Men Out of Womens Sports” as one of its 20 core promises. This reflects broader efforts by conservative lawmakers to restrict transgender participation in sports and access to gender-affirming care.

Impact on Healthcare Access for Transgender Americans

Federal programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), currently offer some level of gender-affirming care, such as hormone replacement therapy. However, under the Trump administrations proposed policies, these programs could face restrictions, potentially affecting thousands of transgender Americans who rely on government healthcare services.

The VA, which does not currently provide gender-affirming surgeries but offers other forms of care, could become a target for policy rollbacks. The administration’s stance threatens to create further barriers for transgender veterans seeking medical support.

Rising Concerns and Crisis Response

Since Trumps electoral victory, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have reported a surge in distress calls from transgender individuals fearing the potential impact of these policies. According to an Associated Press report, The Rainbow Youth Project, which supports LGBTQ+ youth, has seen an unprecedented increase in calls, reflecting heightened anxiety within the community.

Critics argue that these measures will exacerbate marginalization and lead to significant mental health challenges among transgender individuals. This is an attack on fundamental human rights, said a spokesperson for a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group. These policies will have devastating consequences for thousands of Americans.

Legal and Political Challenges Ahead

Trumps proposed actions face fierce legal challenges from civil rights groups and advocacy organizations. Legal experts predict that any executive orders targeting transgender rights will undergo intense scrutiny in federal courts, setting the stage for prolonged battles over constitutional protections.