On Monday, former President Donald Trump planned to sign three major executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. military policy.
These actions are already creating waves, with supporters applauding the move as a return to traditional military values and critics arguing they could harm recruitment and morale.
Here’s what you need to know…
Banning Transgender Individuals from Serving
One of the most talked-about orders will ban transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. This reverses a 2021 policy under President Joe Biden that allowed transgender service members to serve openly.
Trump’s order doesn’t just reinstate his 2017 ban.
It goes further, laying out new military standards for gender pronouns and stating that mental and physical readiness are priorities that exclude transgender service members.
Supporters of this move say it’s about ensuring the military is focused on its mission: defending the country. They argue that policies focused on inclusivity can distract from readiness.
Critics, however, call it discriminatory.
They argue that transgender individuals are just as capable of serving as anyone else and point out that banning them could discourage skilled recruits from joining.
Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been buzzing with debates over the decision. One post with thousands of shares read, “This is about restoring focus to the battlefield, not the culture wars.”
Restoring Dismissed Troops
In another move, Trump plans to reinstate service members who were discharged for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Those reinstated will also receive back pay.
This executive order addresses what many conservatives see as an overreach during the Biden administration.
Thousands of troops were discharged for refusing the vaccine, and Trump’s decision is being celebrated by those who view the mandates as a violation of personal freedoms.
“Good to see the government correcting a wrong,” one veteran wrote online. “These men and women signed up to serve, not to be lab rats.”
Not everyone is on board, though. Some worry this will create a rift within the ranks.
“What message does this send to those who followed orders and got vaccinated?” one critic asked.
Ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
The third executive order takes aim at what Trump’s team calls a “woke assault” on the military.
It eliminates DEI programs and calls for a review of U.S. Service Academy curricula to remove what Trump describes as “radical ideologies.”
Supporters of this move argue that DEI programs have no place in the military, which should focus solely on building the most effective fighting force.
They claim such programs waste resources and prioritize social engineering over combat readiness.
“Let’s get back to teaching tactics, not feelings,” said one retired Marine.
Critics, however, argue that DEI programs are essential for building an inclusive and effective military. They point out that diversity within the ranks strengthens the force and reflects the nation it defends.
Some even worry this decision could hurt recruitment. A recent poll showed that younger Americans are more likely to value workplaces that embrace diversity.
What Comes Next?
These orders reflect Trump’s broader push to undo Biden-era policies and bring what he calls “common sense” back to the military.
But they also set the stage for heated debates—and possibly legal battles.
The Department of Defense will be responsible for implementing these orders. That means we may see variations in how they’re applied across different branches of the military.
For now, the reactions remain sharply divided. Some see these moves as a necessary course correction. Others see them as harmful and divisive.
Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: these orders are sure to make waves in the months ahead.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
