The Pentagon has issued a new directive that will begin the process of discharging up to 1,000 openly transgender service members, while allowing others 30 days to self-identify before further action is taken. The move comes after a recent Supreme Court decision that cleared the way for the Trump administration to implement a ban on transgender individuals serving in the US military.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who authored the directive, affirmed his support for the policy shortly after the court’s ruling, declaring in a post on X, “No More Trans @ DoD.” Earlier in the day, before the court acted, Hegseth said that his department is leaving wokeness and weakness behind.

“No more pronouns,” Hegseth told a special operations forces conference in Tampa. “No more dudes in dresses. We’re done with that s—.”

With the court’s decision allowing enforcement of the policy while ongoing legal challenges proceed, the Department of Defense will begin reviewing medical records to identify service members who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria or are undergoing treatment for it. Those individuals will be subject to involuntary separation.

As of December 9, 2024, officials estimate that 4,240 members of the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve components have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, though the true figure could be higher. The military’s total force stands at nearly 2.1 million.

This latest policy mirrors a similar directive issued in February, which was temporarily suspended due to ongoing lawsuits. Now reinstated, the guidance sets clear deadlines: active duty troops have until June 6 to voluntarily come forward, while National Guard and Reserve members have until July 7.

According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, approximately 1,000 service members have already self-identified and will begin the voluntary separation process. For others, medical documentation, including diagnoses and prescribed treatments, will be the primary means of identification.

The Department has defended the policy, citing concerns that the medical, surgical, and psychological needs of those with gender dysphoria may be incompatible with the rigorous demands of military service. Since 2015, the Defense Department has spent an estimated USD 52 million on gender-affirming care for service members, including therapy, hormone treatments, and surgeries.

The new policy includes limited waiver provisions. A service member or applicant may be granted an exemption if they can demonstrate stability in their biological sex for over three years without clinically significant distress, and prove their direct contribution to warfighting capabilities. However, even with a waiver, they must adhere to regulations recognizing only their biological sex for facilities, housing, and official titles.

The Pentagon has indicated that enforcement of the policy will proceed immediately under the authority granted by the Supreme Court.

(With input from the Associated Press)

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