Donald Trump signs new executive orders on the US army and military policy

• Trump pushes for transgender troop ban.
• Reintegration of anti-COVID-19 vaccine military personnel.
• Space defense with advanced interceptors.

Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to review the Pentagon’s policy on transgender troops.

This move paves the way for a future ban on their service in the armed forces.

Trump stated that the service of transgender individuals is incompatible with the military’s required values of discipline and honesty.

During his previous term, Trump attempted to implement this ban, but it was blocked in court until Joe Biden reversed it in 2021.

Organizations challenge Donald Trump’s measures as reintegration of anti-vaccine military personnel progresses

Organizations such as Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign have pledged to fight against this measure again.

On the same Monday, Trump also ordered the reintegration of military personnel discharged for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Only 113 of the more than 8,200 discharged have opted to return to service since 2023.

Those wishing to rejoin must meet strict medical and physical fitness standards.

Additionally, Donald Trump announced the development of a space-based missile defense system.

This project aims to counter threats from countries like China and Russia, which have advanced in the militarization of space.

The initiative recalls Ronald Reagan’s «Star Wars» program, which did not succeed due to its high costs and technological limitations.

Trump also eliminated all initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the Department of Defense.

The order demands the removal of any content or programs that promote «divisive concepts» or «gender ideologies.»

This decision sparked controversy, even temporarily removing materials about the historic Tuskegee Airmen and the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

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Although these materials were restored, the measure highlights the broad effects of the elimination of DEI programs.

Donald Trump and Hegseth have emphasized that the armed forces should focus exclusively on readiness and meritocracy.

These decisions mark Hegseth’s first day as Defense Secretary under the Trump administration.

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