Just-elected U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a controversial plan to dismiss over 15,000 transgender soldiers from the military on his first day in office.
The statement, made during a public address, has ignited widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and human rights organizations.
Trump, known for his polarizing rhetoric, declared that his administration would require service members to “choose if [they] are a man or a woman,” citing concerns over the financial burden of medical treatments provided to transgender personnel.
“They’re on constant treatment all the time, making the government spend money on them too much,” he said.
This policy proposal mirrors Trump’s 2017 attempt to ban transgender individuals from military service, a move that was partially reversed under President Joe Biden’s administration. Critics argue the decision undermines equality, military readiness, and inclusivity within the armed forces.
Advocacy groups have condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as discriminatory and harmful to the morale and cohesion of the military.
“This regressive policy is a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community and sets a dangerous precedent for human rights in America,” said a spokesperson from a leading LGBTQ+ rights organization.
As the 2024 presidential race progresses, Trump’s position on transgender soldiers is expected to fuel debates over military policy, healthcare funding, and social inclusion, further polarizing an already divided electorate.