A federal judge’s skepticism could derail Trump-era efforts to restrict transgender military service. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes sharply questioned the Department of Defense’s argument that transgender service members undermine military effectiveness, calling the rationale “not biologically correct.” The legal clash centers on a 2023 executive order permitting restrictions on gender-affirming care and service eligibility.
During heated arguments, Reyes dismissed claims that transgender personnel—less than 1% of active forces—threaten readiness:
“The greatest fighting force in history won’t collapse because soldiers use preferred pronouns.”Justice Department lawyers struggled to counter her critique of the order’s vague language, which plaintiffs argue disguises an outright ban.
Reyes highlighted contradictions in the policy:
“If you ask former President Trump, he’d call this a transgender ban. The wording confirms it.”She also emphasized plaintiffs’ decorated records:
- Over 60 combined years of military service
- Multiple combat deployments
- Honorable discharge statuses for all
The ruling, delayed until final DOD guidelines emerge, could impact:
• Access to transition-related healthcare
• Recruitment and retention metrics
• Legal precedents for gender-based military policies
With Reyes calling the order “scientifically flawed,” her impending injunction may reignite debates about discrimination versus operational needs. As one plaintiff stated: “We just want to serve without being treated as political pawns.”