Pentagon to appeal judge’s decision blocking transgender ban, Hegseth says

The Pentagon is not backing down in its fight against a federal judge’s decision to block the Trump administration’s ban on transgender troops. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear on Wednesday night that the department will appeal the ruling by Biden-appointed Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C.

Judge Reyes had ruled that the ban on transgender troops was unconstitutional, citing that it discriminated on the basis of sex. She described the policy as “soaked in animus” and “dripping with pretext.” In response, Hegseth expressed confidence in the appeal process, stating, “We are appealing this decision, and we will win.”

Reyes’ decision not only criticized the ban but also issued an order preventing the Defense Department from removing transgender service members from the military. She called the language of the policy demeaning and emphasized that it stigmatized transgender individuals as unfit for service.

The judge’s order gives the Trump administration until Friday to file an appeal. Despite the setback, Hegseth remains resolute in his belief that the ban will ultimately be upheld. In her 79-page opinion, Reyes highlighted the sacrifices made by transgender service members and condemned the ban for denying them equal protection rights.

The Justice Department has taken issue with Reyes’ ruling, accusing her of potential bias and misconduct. A spokesperson for the DOJ criticized the judge for attempting to seize power at the expense of the American people who elected President Trump.

President Trump’s executive order in January cited concerns about the impact of transgender individuals on military readiness. He argued that the adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with one’s sex could conflict with the values of honor, truthfulness, and discipline in the armed forces.

Despite the efforts of the Trump administration to enforce the ban, service members filed suit against the policy in February. Reyes’ decision to block the ban was met with condemnation from White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who questioned the authority of district court judges over the military.

In 2016, the Department of Defense had permitted transgender individuals to serve openly in the military. However, Trump reversed this policy during his first term, leading to a legal battle that ultimately saw the ban reinstated. President Biden has since reversed the ban, allowing transgender individuals to serve once again.

The fight over the ban on transgender troops continues to unfold, with service members and activists advocating for their right to serve in the military. As the Pentagon moves forward with its appeal, the future of transgender individuals in the armed forces remains uncertain.