U.S. Army to Begin Expelling Transgender Soldiers Starting in June

An internal memo obtained by Reuters reveals that the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing to launch targeted expulsion procedures against transgender soldiers still on active duty, beginning on 6 June, in accordance with a directive signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

This decision follows the green light given by the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, as long as ongoing legal challenges remain unresolved. The Department has not responded to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Ultimatum for Transgender Soldiers

According to details in the memo, transgender soldiers still in active service—estimated to be around 1,000—have until 6 June 2025 to voluntarily opt for administrative separation. After this deadline, those who have not withdrawn will be identified and expelled. For members of the military reserve, the deadline is set for 7 July.

In the document, Pete Hegseth argues that the gender identity of transgender soldiers “conflicts with the requirements of a disciplined and exemplary military life, including in private spheres,” describing it as a harmful factor to military cohesion and readiness.

A Controversial Policy

This directive aligns with a series of decisions made by Donald Trump since the beginning of his second term in January, marked by a tightening of policies against LGBT minority rights, particularly within federal institutions.

Several voices have spoken out against this policy, including federal judges—such as the one in Tacoma, Washington—who ruled in favor of transgender service members challenging the measure. They denounce it as a serious affront to their dignity, a discriminatory act, and fear irreversible consequences on their careers and reputations.

Thus, as the United States sinks deeper into growing social polarization, the implementation of this systematic exclusion of transgender soldiers raises serious concerns about the respect for equality within the military.

While the Pentagon complies with the new political directives, the legal and societal debate over transgender identity in the U.S. armed forces appears far from over.

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