In a set of executive actions announced Monday night, President Donald Trump made major policy shifts for the U.S. military. Signed on Air Force One during his return to Florida from a speech in Tampa, the orders included transgender service member policies, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and reinstatement options for service members discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusals.
One executive order reinstates service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Since the vaccine mandate was rescinded in January 2023, around 110 of the 8,200 affected service members have re-enlisted. This new order will make their process of reenlistment much easier.
A second order addresses transgender service members, requiring the Department of Defense to identify policies for troop readiness within 30 days. While the order doesn’t ban transgender people outright, it does create concerns about whether they are prepared medically, surgically, and mentally to serve. It claims that gender dysphoria is at odds with the military’s ideals of discipline and honesty. During a retreat with House Republicans, Trump said, “We will get transgender ideology out of our military. It’s going to be gone.”
The president also signed an order dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the military and federal agencies. The directive bans race- and sex-based preferences, calling DEI policies “lawless.” Under this order, the Defense and Homeland Security secretaries will review educational curriculums at military academies to eliminate DEI and “gender ideologies.” Trump reiterated, “We’ve ordered the end to all diversity, equity, and inclusion nonsense in the military.”
He unveiled plans for a “United States Iron Dome” missile defense system, patterned on the system operated by Israel, as well. This new move strengthens homeland defense but is part of an even more encompassing effort to enhance national security.
These actions are in line with Trump’s promise to reorient the military’s priorities toward combat readiness and national defense, stripping away what he considers ideological detractions. Critics argue that this could affect diversity and inclusion in the armed forces, while supporters praise the emphasis on military power and unity.