VA quietly rescinds taxpayer funded transgender treatments to align with Trump’s EO: memo

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has quietly rescinded a 2018 policy that provided transgender-related medical services to transgender and intersex veterans. This move aligns the VA with the Trump administration’s orders to distance itself from what they refer to as “radical gender ideology” within the U.S. military.

The memo issued by the VA states that they will conduct a comprehensive review of care for trans-identifying veterans and will revise the medical benefits package as necessary through the rulemaking process. However, the rescission of the 2018 policy does not affect existing clinical guidance.

Under the new guidance, the VA will not provide “gender-affirming” surgeries in its facilities or through non-VA care. Additionally, plastic reconstructive surgery for cosmetic or gender alteration purposes will not be covered. The department emphasizes the need for medical necessity for any surgical care provided, with gender alteration surgery remaining unauthorized as a medical treatment.

The decision to rescind the 2018 policy was made because it was deemed incompatible with Trump’s executive order, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” The VA will continue to provide healthcare to transgender and intersex veterans that aligns with generally accepted standards of medical practice.

In regards to VA facilities, all intimate spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms have been designated by sex (male, female) or unisex for single-person spaces. Signage related to gender identity has also been changed to reflect these guidelines.

Trump’s executive order mandates federal agencies to adopt a definition of sex that recognizes only male and female. This includes maintaining sex-segregated spaces based on biological sex and making decisions regarding room assignments according to clinical guidance.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Trump’s executive orders on gender identity, as the administration faces challenges in appeals to district court rulings.

The VA typically provides healthcare, benefits, and support to veterans, helping them transition from military to civilian life. The department is expected to undergo job cuts as part of Trump’s plan to downsize the federal workforce.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the VA for comment on this matter. Jamie Joseph, a U.S. Politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers transgender and culture issues, as well as developments in the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.