Biden-Appointed Judge Blocks Trump’s Military Policy on Transgender Service Members
A federal judge appointed by President Joe Biden has issued a preliminary injunction against President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Ana Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, halts Executive Order 14183 and the policy enacted by Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth, marking yet another judicial intervention into Trump’s efforts to reshape the military.
Judge Reyes Blocks Trump’s Military Policy
The lawsuit, Nicolas Talbott, et al. v. United States, et al., challenged Trump’s order and the new Pentagon policy, arguing that it discriminates against transgender service members.
Judge Reyes agreed with the plaintiffs, arguing that the Trump administration failed to provide compelling evidence that banning transgender individuals from the military improves readiness or cohesion.
Key Points from the Ruling:
- No “Consultation” with Military Leaders: Reyes claimed that Trump issued the executive order just seven days into his second term without consulting Pentagon leaders or conducting any data-driven review.
- Secretary Hegseth “Rushed” the Policy: The judge also criticized Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth, stating that he implemented the policy within 30 days without conducting a meaningful review of its impact.
- Fifth Amendment Violation: Reyes ruled that the policy violates the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause, claiming it unfairly targets transgender troops with “animus” rather than rational policy concerns.
- “All Means All” Argument: In a sweeping rebuke, Reyes invoked the Declaration of Independence, stating:
“In the self-evident truth that ‘all people are created equal,’ all means all. Nothing more. And certainly nothing less.”
Trump’s Policy vs. Biden’s 2021 Reversal
Trump’s policy marks a return to his 2017 ban on transgender military service, which was overturned by President Biden in 2021. The Biden administration allowed open service for transgender individuals and funded gender reassignment procedures for military personnel.
By contrast, Executive Order 14183 aims to restore the pre-Biden standards for enlistment, barring individuals who require ongoing medical treatment for gender dysphoria and prohibiting taxpayer-funded gender surgeries in the military.
Trump’s rationale:
- Restoring military readiness
- Avoiding medical costs and complications
- Ensuring unit cohesion and effectiveness
Judge Reyes dismissed these concerns, calling them “empty rhetoric and assumptions”, claiming that the Trump administration failed to provide evidence that transgender service members pose any risk to military effectiveness.
What’s Next? Trump’s Options
The preliminary injunction is stayed until March 21, 2025, giving the Trump administration time to seek an emergency appeal.
Trump’s legal team has several options:
- Appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and request an immediate stay of Reyes’ injunction.
- Seek Supreme Court intervention, arguing that military policy is the sole prerogative of the executive branch.
- Revise the policy to withstand future legal challenges.
Given that the Supreme Court previously upheld Trump’s 2017 ban, legal analysts believe the administration has a strong case for reinstating the policy.
Political Fallout: Left-Wing Activists Celebrate, Trump Blasts “Radical Judge”
Far-Left Groups Applaud Ruling
Progressive organizations immediately praised Judge Reyes for blocking Trump’s efforts to restore common sense in the military.
- The ACLU called it “a major victory for equality.”
- Human Rights Campaign said “Trump’s attempt to erase transgender service members has failed.”
Trump and GOP Slam “Activist Judge”
Meanwhile, Trump blasted the ruling, calling Judge Reyes “a radical leftist who thinks she knows more about the military than the Pentagon.”
Senator J.D. Vance also weighed in, stating:
“The military exists to fight and win wars, not to be a taxpayer-funded social experiment.”
What Comes Next?
With the injunction in place, all eyes are on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and Trump’s legal team to see how they will fight back. Will the Supreme Court have the final say?
This is a developing story—expect more legal battles ahead.
