Trump Asks Supreme Court to Reinstate Transgender Military Ban

WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to reinstate his policy restricting transgender individuals from serving in the United States military. This action follows previous rulings by lower courts that had blocked the policy's implementation, citing a lack of supporting evidence and violations of equal protection principles as guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Trump administration's policy, initially announced in 2017, sought to prohibit most transgender individuals from enlisting or serving in the armed forces. It faced immediate legal challenges, with plaintiffs arguing that the ban was discriminatory and based on prejudice rather than legitimate military concerns. Several federal judges agreed, issuing injunctions that prevented the policy from taking full effect.

Lower court decisions emphasized the absence of concrete evidence demonstrating that allowing transgender service members would negatively impact military readiness or effectiveness. Judges also pointed to the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.

The Justice Department, representing the former administration, argues that the policy is essential for maintaining a strong and cohesive fighting force. They claim the ban is not discriminatory but rather a necessary measure to ensure that service members meet established medical and physical standards. The Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear the case will have significant implications for transgender rights and military policy.