Federal Judge Ana Reyes on Tuesday blocked President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender individuals from military service.
The Department of Defense (DOD) responded to Newsweek via email Tuesday night, saying: "As a matter of policy, the Department does not comment on ongoing litigation."
Why It Matters President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders and previously pushed policies aimed at rolling back rights for transgender people since his inauguration in January.
The president signed a ban on openly transgender people serving in the military in an executive order a week into his second term, claiming that transgender troops negatively impact "excellence" and "readiness."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth later issued a memo saying that transgender people would no longer be allowed to enlist in the military while asserting that service members with gender dysphoria who are already in the military would be "treated with dignity and respect."
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The DOD also requested last month that transgender troops be identified and separated.
What To Know Reyes ruled that Trump's directive likely violates the constitutional rights of transgender troops. She delayed enforcement of her ruling for three days, allowing the administration time to appeal.
Reyes said in her Tuesday ruling in part that: "Indeed, the cruel irony is that thousands of transgender servicemembers have sacrificed—some risking their lives—to ensure for others the very equal protection rights the Military Ban seeks to deny them. On the latter, Defendants have not shown they will be burdened by continuing the status quo pending this litigation, and avoiding constitutional violations is always in the public interest."
Reyes then said in her conclusion, "The court knows that this opinion will lead to heated public debate and appeals. In a healthy democracy, both are positive outcomes." Reyes added, "We should all agree, however, that every person who has answered the call to serve deserves our gratitude and respect. For, as Elmer Davis observed, '[t]his nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.'"
She added that the court appreciates every veteran and current service member.
What People Are Saying Charlotte Clymer, a U.S. Army veteran, posted on X, formerly Twitter on Tuesday: "This is far from over, but I'm gonna take some time tonight to enjoy the good news. 'U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C., ruled that Trump's order to exclude transgender troops from military service likely violates their constitutional rights.'"
What Happens Next The Trump administration has time to appeal Reyes' ruling as the enforcement is delayed.
Just my opinion but, this is not just a loss for President Trump, this decision is a loss for the entire military. As an example, those members serving in the military who are overweight and wish to get a Gastric Sleeve operation to make them lose weight is not allowed due to the normal requirement to more frequent nutrients (eat more often), you can't eat as much at one sitting but still need the calories, proteins and carbs and so, not considered capable of combat duties. Just one example.
Additionally, we accept into the military someone with gender identity issues, they get cut on and are now allowed to receive VA benefits for something they requested to be done, a never ending cost the taxpayers should not have to shoulder. Definitely not a military related injury.
I'm not even talking about what such a decision does to the troops actually serving. I don't care what an individual's wants but I damn sure care about the guy/gal I'm in a foxhole with carrying their share of the load.
------------------ Rams Learning most of life's lessons the hard way. . You are only young once but, you can be immature indefinitely.
So you can't enlist if you have hemorrhoids. But if you had your penis turned inside out, require a huge cocktail of drugs and daily stretching of your "front hole", that is fine? How is that surgical area going to hold up when artillery is falling and the tranny has to jump into a foxhole filled chest height with filthy rat infested water for a few hours?
Obviously, she should have recused herself based on her own identity crisis. If, this gets to SCOTUS, I fully expect it to get overturned.
Rams
Gender Dysphoria is a codified, (DSM), mental illness. Those with an identified mental illness may legally be denied enlistment or separated from the military.
I believe that it is outside the jurisdiction of the federal courts to decide military enlistment or retention standards.
That is strictly the purview of the DoD.
The insane "Trannysurection" has to stop.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 03-20-2025).]
I believe that it is outside the jurisdiction of the federal courts to decide military enlistment or retention standards.
That is strictly the purview of the DoD.
The Executive branch's actions are subject to the interpretation of the Court on the matter of their Constitutionality. It is the Court that determines whether an action by the Executive meets the terms of the Constitution. If the Court determines those actions violate the Constitution they can absolutely declare them unconstitutional. There is a rich history of this happening specifically with the DoD.
Originally posted by NewDustin: The Executive branch's actions are subject to the interpretation of the Court on the matter of their Constitutionality. It is the Court that determines whether an action by the Executive meets the terms of the Constitution. If the Court determines those actions violate the Constitution they can absolutely declare them unconstitutional. There is a rich history of this happening specifically with the DoD.
NewDustin, anyone's actions are subject to the interpretation of the Courts.
quote
Originally posted by NewDustin: It is the Court that determines whether an action by the Executive meets the terms of the Constitution.
The SUPREME COURT.
Tell us NewDustin, How do you think banning "NewGenders" from joining the military violates the Constitution.
