Pentagon to Discharge Transgender Troops under New Mandate

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has issued internal directives to the Pentagon, mandating the discharge of transgender troops who do not voluntarily opt-out by June 6. A confidential memo, acquired by Reuters, outlines these instructions as part of a broader effort led by the Trump administration.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from transgender rights activists, who labeled it as 'shameful.' Jennifer Levi of GLAD Law criticized the decision, highlighting the irony of discharging troops who meet military standards and risk their lives for national defense.

The Pentagon's actions follow a Supreme Court ruling that enabled a ban on transgender servicemembers, reversing a policy from former President Joe Biden's era. The ban underscores the Trump administration's strategy to reduce transgender rights, exemplified by a rescinded policy allowing open service for transgender individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)