Trump asks judge to dissolve injunction barring transgender military ban
The Trump administration has made a move to dissolve a previous injunction blocking the Pentagon’s ban on transgender troops. In a recent filing, the government argued that President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the military is focused on gender dysphoria, a medical condition, and does not discriminate against transgender individuals as a class.
The government cited new guidance from the Department of Defense that clarifies the criteria for individuals who exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria. The guidance specifies that this applies only to individuals who exhibit symptoms sufficient for a diagnosis. The government also emphasized that the ban is aimed at addressing military readiness, deployability, and associated costs related to a medical condition.
The filing referenced a memo sent out on Friday along with the new guidance. According to the requirements for dissolving a preliminary injunction, a significant change in factual conditions or law must be demonstrated to show that continuing to enforce the injunction would be detrimental to the public interest. The government argued that the new guidance issued on March 21, 2025, constitutes a significant change that warrants the dissolution of the injunction.
During a Friday hearing, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, a Biden-appointed federal judge, expressed her desire for the Defense Department to extend the implementation deadline of the ban to allow more time for the appeals process. Reyes instructed the government to return with a response by 3 p.m. on Friday.
Reyes had previously issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the plaintiffs, including transgender individuals, stating that they face a violation of their constitutional rights, which constitutes irreparable harm. The executive order in question, signed by President Trump on January 27, requires the Defense Department to update its guidance on transgender medical standards for military service and to rescind any guidance that is inconsistent with military readiness.
Reyes emphasized the need for a policy that balances the nation’s military preparedness with the equal protection rights of all Americans. She wrote that the current military ban on transgender individuals does not achieve this balance and called for a policy that upholds equal protection rights.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon would be appealing Reyes’ decision, stating confidently that they would win the appeal. The government’s decision to challenge the injunction reflects their commitment to enforcing the ban on transgender troops in the military.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s efforts to dissolve the injunction blocking the ban on transgender troops reflect their determination to implement policies that align with their priorities for the military. The legal battle surrounding this issue continues, with both sides presenting their arguments in court. The outcome of the appeal will ultimately determine the fate of transgender individuals serving in the military.
