The United States military has begun the process of discharging around 1,000 transgender service members following a recent Supreme Court decision that allowed a ban on their service to take immediate effect.
The decision stems from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January 2025, which barred transgender individuals from serving in the military.
The Supreme Court upheld the order this week, permitting its implementation while legal challenges continue.
According to a Pentagon memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, “The Military Departments will immediately begin processing for separation service members who previously self-identified for voluntary separation prior to March 26, 2025.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell clarified that approximately 1,000 active personnel diagnosed with gender dysphoria are affected.
A senior defense official noted that as of late last year, 4,240 service members had such diagnoses.
Those who do not leave voluntarily will face mandatory separation by June 6 for active-duty members and June 7 for reserves, the memo stated.
“On conclusion of the self-identification eligibility window, the Military Departments will initiate involuntary separation processes,” it read.
In his executive order, Trump wrote, “Expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.”
The Pentagon further emphasized its position in a February memo, stating transgender troops would be removed unless granted individual waivers.
The policy also bars new transgender enlistments.
This marks another shift in a long-contested issue in the U.S. armed forces, where transgender individuals have seen fluctuating levels of acceptance depending on the administration in power.
Democratic-led governments have generally supported their right to serve openly, while Trump has consistently opposed it.
