Trump Signs Executive Orders Reshaping Pentagon policies on transgender troops, COVID-19, and Defense programs

Former President Donald Trump signed a series of sweeping executive orders on Monday, marking significant policy shifts for the U.S. military. Among the key directives were plans to revise Pentagon policies on transgender troops, reinstate service members discharged over COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and develop a space-based missile defense system. The orders were issued on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first day in office.

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Policy on Transgender Troops

One of the most controversial moves is the directive to the Pentagon to revise its policy on transgender service members, paving the way for a potential future ban.
In his order, Trump stated that service by individuals identifying as a gender other than their biological sex is inconsistent with the discipline and readiness required for military service.

“This conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable and disciplined lifestyle,” Trump said.

This move resurrects a policy that Trump attempted during his first term but was blocked by legal challenges and reversed under President Joe Biden. Advocacy groups like Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign have already vowed to challenge the order, calling it discriminatory and harmful to national security.

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Reinstatement of Troops Discharged Over COVID-19 Mandates

Trump also addressed the reinstatement of service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Over 8,200 troops were removed from service in 2021 for non-compliance with the mandate.

 

The new order offers these individuals full reinstatement to their former rank, along with back pay. It also extends the opportunity to those who voluntarily left the military to avoid the vaccine, provided they meet current entry requirements.

“We will restore their careers and ensure their rightful place in the armed forces,” Trump said during a speech at his Miami resort.

Despite the offer, initial re-enlistment numbers remain low, with just 113 out of the eligible thousands opting to return.

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Space-Based Missile Defense System

Trump revived ambitions for a space-based missile defense system, echoing the Strategic Defense Initiative of the 1980s. Dubbed the “Iron Dome for America,” the initiative aims to counter missile threats with space-based interceptors.

The directive calls for the Pentagon to prioritize development and deployment of this multi-layered defense system, citing growing concerns over the weaponization of space by China and Russia.

The U.S. Space Force, established during Trump’s first term, will spearhead efforts to enhance satellite tracking capabilities and missile defense technologies.

 

Rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs

In another major shift, Trump ordered the removal of all DEI initiatives across the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard.

The directive prohibits programs promoting “race-based preferences” and “gender ideology,” framing them as divisive and contrary to meritocratic principles.

“We must restore focus on merit and mission, not divisive concepts,” Trump stated.

 

The order has already caused controversy, including the temporary removal of content on the Tuskegee Airmen and Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) from Air Force training courses. The Pentagon later clarified that the content would remain part of military education but in a revised format.

These directives signal a stark shift in Pentagon policies under Trump’s leadership. Advocacy groups and critics have already begun mobilizing legal challenges, while the Defense Department faces significant logistical hurdles in implementing these changes.

Amnewsworld will continue to follow developments as these policies reshape the landscape of U.S. military operations.