Equality Caucus Slams Trump's Trans Troop Ban

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement after President Trump issued an Executive Order that would effectively ban transgender people from serving in the United States military:

“It’s beyond shameful that one of President Trump’s most pressing priorities is to disrupt our military’s readiness by forcing qualified and dedicated servicemembers out of the military,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Our military has invested millions of dollars into training these brave Americans who signed up to serve their nation. Now, despite their sacrifices, President Trump is unlawfully and unconstitutionally calling for them to be kicked to the curb simply because he doesn’t like who they are. The Equality Caucus is committed to righting this wrong and ensuring long-lasting protections for transgender servicemembers and transgender people who wish to join the armed forces to ensure that our national security remains uncompromised from politically-motivated mass discharges and bans."


BACKGROUND
On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order which states that people who are transgender “cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service” and that their identity “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life.” Among other directives, the Executive Order calls for the Secretary of Defense, within sixty days, to update DoDI 6130.03 Volume 1 (Medical Standards for Military Service: Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction (May 6, 2018), Incorporating Change 5 of May 28, 2024) and DoDI 6130.03 Volume 2 (Medical Standards for Military Service: Retention (September 4, 2020), Incorporating Change 1 of June 6, 2022) to reflect the purpose and policy of the Executive Order.  It also calls for all policies, directives, and guidance issued pursuant to Executive Order 14004 (Enabling All Qualified Americans To Serve Their Country in Uniform)—a Biden Executive Order on trans military service that Trump rescinded last week—to be rescinded to the extent they are inconsistent with the new Executive Order.