President-elect Donald Trump intends to issue an order that will result in the dismissal of all transgender personnel from the U.S. Armed Forces.
According to The Times, this directive could affect approximately 15,000 people. The information comes from sources within the Department of Defense. The order is expected to be signed on Trump’s first day in office and will mandate the discharge of nearly all transgender service members on medical grounds.
The Times highlights that this comes at a time when most branches of the U.S. military are already struggling to meet recruitment goals. The publication recalls that during his first term, Trump issued a similar order that barred transgender individuals from joining the military, though it did not apply to those already serving.
Previously, The New York Times reported on another of Trump’s proposed initiatives — the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants following his inauguration. This program would involve declaring a state of emergency and utilizing military resources. Trump has repeatedly expressed his determination to implement this plan.
