In a controversial move, the Pentagon has ordered the immediate suspension of gender-affirming healthcare for transgender service members as the U.S. military prepares to implement President Trump’s order to remove transgender troops from its ranks. This decision, outlined in a memo obtained by Reuters, has drawn widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ rights advocates and military personnel alike.
The new instructions prohibit any new hormone treatments or surgical procedures for transgender troops and were issued by Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Stephen Ferrara. Ferrara’s memo states, “I am directing you to take the necessary steps to immediately implement this guidance.” The Pentagon has referred all questions to the Defense Health Agency, which has not responded to requests for comment.
The decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that allows the Trump administration to enforce its ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. This ruling permits the discharge of thousands of transgender troops and prevents the enlistment of new transgender recruits while ongoing legal challenges continue.
The sudden halt to healthcare has been met with fierce condemnation from advocates and service members. Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights called the decision “needlessly disrespectful and cruel,” adding, “It is shameful that our nation’s military would treat any service member this way.”
One transgender service member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, described the policy as “the latest slap in the face” to those who serve honorably. “If there was any doubt left, there is not anymore: transgender service members are no longer entitled to the same standard of medical care as their peers,” the service member said.
The directive comes just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the removal of transgender troops who do not voluntarily leave by June 6. Hegseth, a former Fox News host known for his conservative views, has openly criticized gender-affirming care for transgender troops. In a social media post, Hegseth stated, “Taxpayers should NEVER pay for this lunacy.”
This policy change marks a stark reversal from the inclusive stance taken during the Biden administration, which allowed transgender individuals to serve openly and receive healthcare through military benefits. In contrast, Trump’s executive order signed in January has effectively rolled back these protections, citing concerns over military readiness and taxpayer funding.
The Pentagon’s stance has sparked outrage among transgender rights groups, who argue that halting healthcare in advance of discharging troops demonstrates deliberate cruelty. A Gallup poll published in February found that 58% of Americans support allowing transgender people to serve openly in the military, though this number has declined from 71% in 2019.
Advocates continue to call for resistance to the policy, emphasizing that removing trained and capable service members solely because of their gender identity is both discriminatory and damaging to military cohesion. As legal challenges progress, the future of transgender service members remains uncertain, but community leaders are urging allies to continue pushing back against policies that target transgender individuals.
