A US district judge has ruled against President Donald Trump’s policy, calling it “soaked in animus.”
A federal judge has indefinitely blocked President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender service members, delivering a major setback to the administration’s controversial military policy.
Judge Ana Reyes of the U.S. District Court ruled that the ban, which was set to take effect later this month, cannot be enforced. Reyes, appointed by former President Joe Biden, sharply criticized the policy, stating it “stigmatizes transgender persons as inherently unfit” and lacks any factual basis.
“The cruel irony is that thousands of transgender service members have sacrificed—some risking their lives—to ensure for others the very equal protection rights this ban seeks to deny them,” Reyes wrote in her ruling.
The judge issued a preliminary injunction but delayed its effect until Friday morning, allowing the administration time to appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The case was brought by transgender individuals already serving in the military, as well as those wishing to enlist but who would be barred under the ban. Reyes found that the plaintiffs demonstrated a strong likelihood of proving that the ban violates constitutional protections.
Trump’s Directive and Its Legal Challenges
The Trump administration revived the ban shortly after returning to office, instructing the Pentagon to remove transgender individuals from military service. Officials argued that their inclusion would harm military effectiveness, cohesion, and readiness.
However, Reyes rejected this claim, writing that the administration had failed to provide a legitimate justification for banning all transgender troops.
“The president has the power—indeed, the obligation—to ensure military readiness,” Reyes stated. “At times, however, leaders have used concern for military readiness to deny marginalized persons… Today, our military is stronger and our nation is safer for the millions of such persons who serve.”
A similar ban imposed by Trump during his first term in 2017 faced multiple lawsuits, with federal courts ruling it unconstitutional. Although the Supreme Court allowed that policy to proceed in 2019, it did not rule on its legality. The ban was later overturned by President Biden in 2021.
Pentagon’s Response and Next Steps
Last month, the Pentagon issued guidance to enforce Trump’s new order, requiring the discharge of transgender service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria. A memo outlining the policy stated, “The Department only recognizes two sexes: male and female,” and declared that service members would only serve in accordance with their biological sex.
A senior defense official estimated that 4,240 transgender service members currently serve across active-duty, reserve, and National Guard forces. Since 2014, approximately 1,000 transgender service members have undergone gender-affirming surgery.
Legal advocates praised Reyes’ ruling, with Jennifer Levi of GLAD Law calling it a “decisive” victory for transgender rights.
“The court’s clear-eyed assessment lays bare how this ban specifically targets and undermines our courageous service members,” Levi said. “We are confident this ruling will stand on appeal.”
The Justice Department has not yet announced whether it will challenge the ruling in higher courts.
