In a decisive blow to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, a federal judge has indefinitely blocked the administration from enforcing the controversial policy. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes signals a major setback for Trump’s attempts to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, a hallmark of his broader agenda.
Reyes, an appointee of President Joe Biden, did not mince words in her ruling, stating that the ban “is soaked in animus and dripping with pretext.” She condemned the policy as “unabashedly demeaning,” arguing that it stigmatizes transgender service members and lacks any factual basis.
A Temporary Hold, A Permanent Impact?
Judge Reyes’ ruling included a preliminary injunction, halting enforcement of the ban until the case is fully resolved. She gave the administration until Friday morning to appeal the decision to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
This legal victory comes as a relief to thousands of transgender service members who have been facing uncertainty about their careers and livelihoods. Many have risked their lives for a country that now seeks to strip them of their right to serve.
“Indeed, the cruel irony is that thousands of transgender service members have sacrificed—some risking their lives—to ensure for others the very equal protection rights the Military Ban seeks to deny them,” Reyes wrote in her ruling.
The Road to This Decision
Trump’s attempt to revive the military ban was set to take effect later this month, despite ongoing lawsuits and widespread criticism from civil rights organizations, military officials, and transgender advocates. His administration argued that allowing transgender individuals to serve would negatively impact military “lethality, readiness, and cohesion.”
However, the court found that the government failed to provide any legitimate justification for banning all transgender troops. Reyes noted that past justifications for barring marginalized groups from military service—whether it be racial minorities, women in combat, or openly gay service members—have all been proven wrong over time.
“The President has the power— indeed the obligation—to ensure military readiness,” Reyes wrote. “At times, however, leaders have used concern for military readiness to deny marginalized persons the privilege of serving.”
History Repeats Itself
This is not the first time a court has intervened to block a Trump-era transgender military ban. In 2017, his administration issued a similar policy, which was met with legal challenges and temporary injunctions from multiple federal district courts. However, the Supreme Court allowed the ban to take effect in 2019 without ruling on its constitutionality. Biden ultimately reversed the policy in 2021, restoring the ability of transgender individuals to serve openly in the military.
Trump’s renewed effort to strip transgender service members of their rights underscores his broader campaign to roll back LGBTQ+ protections. His latest executive order directing the Pentagon to reinstate the ban is part of a larger push to erase legal gains made by transgender Americans in recent years.
The Fallout: Thousands at Risk
The Pentagon’s implementation of Trump’s order was already underway before Reyes’ ruling. The guidance issued by the Department of Defense made it clear that transgender service members who do not meet certain restrictive criteria would be processed for separation.
“The Department only recognizes two sexes: male and female,” stated the policy memo. “An individual’s sex is immutable, unchanging during a person’s life. All service members will only serve in accordance with their sex.”
This stance directly contradicts years of medical and psychological research supporting gender-affirming care and the ability of transgender individuals to serve effectively in the armed forces. According to the Pentagon, there are currently over 4,200 transgender service members in active-duty, reserve, and National Guard roles. Of these, about 1,000 have received gender-affirming surgery since 2014.
The policy’s impact extends beyond those currently serving. The ban also affects trans individuals hoping to enlist, forcing them to choose between their gender identity and their career aspirations.
Advocates Celebrate the Ruling
Civil rights organizations and legal teams representing transgender service members quickly praised Reyes’ decision.
“Today’s decisive ruling speaks volumes,” said Jennifer Levi, an attorney with GLAD Law. “The Court’s unambiguous factual findings lay bare how this ban specifically targets and undermines our courageous service members who have committed themselves to defending our nation. Given the Court’s clear-eyed assessment, we are confident this ruling will stand strong on appeal.”
For many transgender troops, this ruling is a temporary reprieve from the fear of discharge. But the fight is far from over. The Trump administration is expected to appeal, and given the Supreme Court’s previous stance on the issue, the final outcome remains uncertain.
A Bigger Pattern of Discrimination
The transgender military ban is just one of many anti-LGBTQ+ policies Trump has championed. From restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare to banning transgender minors from playing sports, his administration has aggressively targeted trans rights at every turn.
Advocates argue that these policies are not about military readiness, fairness in sports, or public safety—they are about erasing transgender people from public life. The military ban is especially cruel, as it dismisses the dedication and sacrifices of thousands who have fought for their country, only to be told they are “unfit” to serve.
The Bottom Line
While Reyes’ ruling provides an important legal shield for now, transgender service members remain in limbo. The Biden administration is likely to fight the ban in court, but the case could drag on for months or even years. In the meantime, trans troops and hopeful enlistees will have to wait, once again, for the courts to affirm their right to serve.
For transgender individuals, their families, and allies, this is yet another battle in a larger war for equality. While this ruling is a victory, the underlying issue remains: Why must transgender Americans constantly fight for the right to exist, serve, and contribute to society like everyone else?
Judge Reyes’ ruling stands as a beacon of hope for transgender troops, but it also serves as a reminder that progress is never guaranteed—and that vigilance is necessary to protect the hard-fought rights of marginalized communities.
