Pentagon Suspends Transition-Related Healthcare Transgender Troops
Trump Administration Reinstates Policy of Exclusion
The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered the suspension of medical care related to gender transition for transgender service members, as part of the renewed implementation of President Donald Trump’s policy to exclude them from the military, according to a memo obtained by Reuters.
Hormone Treatments and Surgeries on Hold
The memo, signed by Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Stephen Ferrara, calls for the immediate cessation of all new hormone therapies and gender-affirming surgical procedures. The directive marks a swift execution of the administration’s new stance.
The Pentagon directed further inquiries to the Defense Health Agency, which has not yet responded to media requests.
Rights Advocates Condemn the Decision
Shannon Minter, of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, denounced the move, calling it “needlessly disrespectful and cruel.”
“It is disgraceful for our nation’s military to treat any of its service members this way,” he said.
A transgender service member, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, described the suspension as “another slap in the face” to those serving faithfully.
“There’s no doubt left: transgender personnel are no longer entitled to the same standard of medical care as others,” they stated.
Supreme Court Clears the Way for the Ban
On May 6, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the enforcement of the Trump administration’s ban on transgender individuals in the military. This ruling authorizes the military to begin discharging current transgender troops and denying new enlistments, even as legal challenges remain ongoing.
A previous memo reported by Reuters revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered all transgender troops who did not voluntarily separate to be discharged by June 6.
Thousands of Troops Directly Affected
Officials estimate there are currently about 4,240 transgender service members in the active-duty military and National Guard. Advocacy groups believe the actual number is higher.
Trump’s executive order in January, signed shortly after he returned to office, reversed the inclusive policy enacted by former President Joe Biden, which had allowed transgender individuals to serve openly.
Public Opinion Shift
A February Gallup poll found that 58% of Americans support allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the military—a drop from 71% in 2019, indicating waning public support for the issue.
A Clear Conservative Agenda
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, now Defense Secretary, is known for his conservative views on cultural issues. He recently voiced strong opposition to gender-affirming healthcare for military personnel on social media.
“If this is true – we will find any way possible to stop it,” he wrote in response to a report suggesting such treatments might resume.
“Taxpayers should NEVER pay for this lunacy,” he added.
Reversal of Years of Progress
The halt to transition-related care marks a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights in the military. It reverses several years of progressive inclusion that began under the Obama administration and continued under Biden.
Human rights advocates warn that the policy will negatively impact the physical and mental well-being of transgender troops, who continue to serve under increasingly hostile conditions.
Legal Battles on the Horizon
Legal challenges are expected in the coming weeks. Civil rights groups are preparing to argue that the policy is unconstitutional and discriminatory based on gender identity.
In the meantime, transgender service members find themselves isolated, stripped of vital medical care, and facing possible dismissal.
A Symbol of Deeper Cultural Divides
The decision reflects a broader political strategy aimed at tightening restrictions on identity and inclusion. It is one of many initiatives by the administration to roll back protections for minority communities, often under ideological or fiscal justifications.
Conclusion: A Growing Uncertainty for Trans Troops
In this tense climate, transgender service members face growing uncertainty. With healthcare suspended and exclusionary policies being actively enforced, their future in the armed forces remains fragile—caught between legal disputes and deep political divides.