n a shocking move, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued internal instructions for the Pentagon to start removing transgender troops from military service. If they don’t choose to leave voluntarily by June 6, they will be removed forcibly. This step follows a Supreme Court ruling that allowed a ban on transgender troops to go ahead.
What the Memo Says
The memo, obtained by Reuters, explains that transgender troops who are currently serving can choose to leave the military on their own before June 6 (for active-duty personnel). For those in the reserves, the deadline is July 7. After these dates, the military will start the involuntary separation process to remove them.
The memo outlines a clear timeline and policy shift that is expected to affect thousands of transgender service members.
Strong Reactions from LGBTQ Rights Groups
The decision has received immediate backlash. Jennifer Levi, a senior director at GLAD Law, an LGBTQ legal advocacy group, called it “shameful.” She added, “It is senseless to fast track people out of the military who are meeting standards and putting lives on the line to defend the country.”
Activists believe that this decision ignores the sacrifices and service of transgender troops who have already proven their loyalty and ability to meet military standards.
A Big Policy Reversal
This decision marks a strong reversal from policies during Joe Biden’s presidency, when transgender individuals were allowed to serve openly in the U.S. armed forces. Biden had once said, “America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride.”
But since Donald Trump returned to the presidency, the administration has taken several steps to limit transgender rights. The ban on transgender military service is just one example.
In January, Trump signed an executive order that cancelled Biden’s policy on allowing transgender individuals to serve. This move has now paved the way for the Pentagon to start removing transgender service members.
How Many Troops Will Be Affected?
As of late last year, the U.S. military had around 4,240 active-duty and National Guard transgender troops, according to official reports. However, LGBTQ rights groups suggest the real number could be higher.
These troops have been serving with discipline and courage. Many have undergone the same training, face the same dangers, and hold the same responsibilities as other soldiers. Yet now, they face removal simply because of their gender identity.
What Happens Next?
If transgender troops do not voluntarily leave by the dates mentioned in the memo, they will be removed against their will. The Pentagon has not yet responded to public questions about the memo or the impact it will have on military readiness.
Rights groups have promised to fight the policy through legal and public channels, saying it discriminates against people who are simply trying to serve their country.