In a significant development, the US Supreme Court has given the green light to the Trump administration to enforce its ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The 6–3 decision, issued on May 6, 2025, overturns a lower court’s injunction and allows the policy to take effect despite ongoing legal challenges. This ruling reinstates President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” which was issued a week after he returned to office in January.
The executive order prohibits transgender individuals from enlisting in the military and requires the Defense Department to identify and dismiss current service members who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Under this policy, individuals with gender dysphoria are disqualified from military service unless they serve in their biological sex and do not seek to undergo gender transition. The Department of Defense has been directed to implement the policy, which includes halting gender-affirming medical care for transgender service members.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has attempted to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. In 2017, Trump first introduced the ban, which was later repealed by former President Joe Biden in 2021. However, with Trump’s return to office, the ban has been reinstated. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to rescind dozens of executive orders signed by his predecessor, including measures aimed at promoting the interests of racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.
Since returning to office, Trump has also issued a formal decree recognizing only two genders – male and female – which, according to the order, cannot be changed. Additionally, he has ended federal support for medical procedures related to sex changes for individuals under the age of 19, describing them as “chemical and surgical mutilation.” The decision has significant implications for transgender individuals who are currently serving in the military or wish to enlist. It also marks a significant shift in the Trump administration’s policy on LGBTQ rights, which has been the subject of controversy and debate.
