Trump Criticizes DEI Policies, COVID-Related Expulsions, and Transgender Military Service

On Monday, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at rolling back key policies from the Biden administration, focusing on the military’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the reinstatement of troops discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, and restrictions on transgender service members. These moves represent a significant shift in the direction of U.S. military policy and have generated sharp criticism from advocacy groups.

One of the central elements of Trump’s executive orders is a directive that bans the military from recognizing gender identities that differ from an individual’s sex at birth. The order also prohibits the use of “invented” pronouns within military settings. While the order explicitly addresses these issues, it leaves unanswered questions about the status of transgender service members currently in the military. It remains unclear whether those who have already served will be allowed to remain in their positions or if they will be removed as a result of this new directive.

The actions taken by Trump have been met with harsh opposition from advocacy organizations. Joshua Block of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned the orders, accusing Trump of trying to force transgender individuals “back into the closet” and out of the public sphere entirely. This stance echoes Trump’s previous efforts during his first term, where he sought to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. While he did not fully implement this ban, his administration froze recruitment for transgender individuals but allowed those already serving to stay. When President Biden assumed office in 2021, he reversed Trump’s policy, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly.

Another key aspect of Trump’s executive orders is the elimination of DEI initiatives in the military. The new orders mandate that service academies teach that the United States, along with its founding documents, is “the most powerful force for good in human history.” This reflects Trump’s ongoing effort to reshape the military’s approach to diversity, which he views as a distraction from its primary mission. As part of this broader agenda, the Air Force has announced it will resume training that includes a lesson on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of Black pilots who served in World War II. The training will be reintroduced after a review to ensure it complies with Trump’s new guidelines against DEI-related materials.

Trump’s new initiatives also have implications for the thousands of service members who were discharged during the pandemic for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Trump’s executive order directs the reinstatement of these personnel, reversing the Pentagon’s decision to expel those who were unwilling to comply with the vaccine mandate implemented in 2021. This move has the potential to significantly impact military readiness, as many service members were removed from duty during a time when the military was facing serious operational challenges due to the pandemic.

Additionally, Trump signed an executive order calling for the development of an “American Iron Dome,” a missile defense system inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, which is designed to intercept short-range missiles and mortars. The system, which is primarily used by Israel to defend against rocket attacks from groups such as Hamas, could take years to implement in the United States. However, Trump’s order underscores his commitment to expanding U.S. military capabilities, particularly in the realm of defense against airborne threats.

These moves are taking place under the leadership of Pete Hegseth, who was recently confirmed as the Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a vocal critic of current military leadership and policies, has promised to make significant changes at the Pentagon, particularly when it comes to DEI and military readiness. During his first day at the Pentagon, Hegseth made headlines by referring to military bases that had been renamed under President Biden to distance them from Confederate history, such as Fort Benning and Fort Bragg, by their previous names.

Hegseth’s tenure at the Pentagon is expected to focus on internal military reforms, including implementing Trump’s executive orders. This may involve reinstating discharged service members, reviewing military training programs to remove DEI content, and working on the development of new defense systems like the American Iron Dome. However, his approach has been met with concern from some military leaders and advocacy groups, who worry about the impact these changes will have on the military’s effectiveness and inclusivity.

Overall, Trump’s executive orders represent a clear shift away from the policies of the Biden administration, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, diversity in the military, and the handling of COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The long-term effects of these actions on military cohesion, personnel morale, and U.S. defense strategy remain uncertain, but they are certain to provoke ongoing debate and scrutiny.