Transgender individuals can join the U.S. military effective now. The decision comes after federal courts ordered the Pentagon to comply with a ruling issued last month. The Pentagon began preparing last January to let transgender individuals join the military, using court-ordered guidelines issued by former Defense Secretary Ash Carter. Back in 2016, Carter lifted the ban on transgender service members serving in the military. President Trump tweeted last summer that transgender individuals would not be allowed to enter the military "in any capacity." He made the statement because of what he calls the "tremendous medical costs and disruption." 4 lawsuits moved through the courts challenging Trump's ban. The Pentagon's compliance beginning today only applies to allowing transgender individuals seeking to join a branch of the military.
Separate court actions have temporarily halted the implementation of the ban on current transgender service members set to take place this spring.
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