A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has temporarily halted enforcement of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued the preliminary injunction, claiming that the order infringes on the constitutional rights of transgender service members. The injunction was granted following requests by attorneys representing six active-duty transgender service members and two others wishing to enlist.
Judge Reyes permitted a delay of her ruling’s implementation until Friday to allow time for an appeal. In her statement, Reyes acknowledged the potential for public debate and legal challenges, noting, “In a healthy democracy, both are positive outcomes.” She underscored the obligation to honor the commitment of service members.
President Trump signed the executive order on January 27, citing concerns that transgender individuals’ sexual identities are incompatible with the expected military standards. The order argues that their inclusion could undermine military effectiveness. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth subsequently introduced a policy presuming individuals with gender dysphoria as unsuitable for military service.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue the executive order contravenes Fifth Amendment rights to equal protection. Government representatives counter that military matters are traditionally managed without judicial intervention. Notably, a 2016 policy under the Department of Defense allowed transgender people to serve openly. However, during Trump’s presidency, a directive was issued that the Supreme Court later permitted, leading to the first ban’s enforcement. President Joe Biden later rescinded it upon entering office.
