Gender Identity and Military Standards: How is Trump Changing the Military?

Donald Trump has rescinded diversity and inclusion programs in the military, revisited policies regarding transgender service members, and permitted the return to service of those who refused vaccination, reports NewsBox. 

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order that eliminates diversity and inclusion programs within the armed forces. The document states that, in his opinion, these initiatives encouraged racial preferences, leading to discrimination and division within the military.

The order also addresses the policy on transgender service members. Trump claimed that expressing a gender identity not aligned with one's biological sex contradicts military standards. However, the document does not clarify whether transgender personnel currently serving can remain in the military or if they face discharge, and if so, in what timeframe.

Additionally, Trump allowed military personnel who were discharged for refusing the coronavirus vaccine to return to service. According to AP, at least 8,200 people left the armed forces for this reason in 2021.