Pentagon Moves to Expel Transgender Troops Amid Controversial Ban

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to discharge transgender troops who do not voluntarily leave by designated deadlines, following a Supreme Court ruling. The memo outlines the administration's plan to enforce the ban, affecting thousands of servicemembers across the nation.

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has ordered the Pentagon to begin discharging transgender troops who do not voluntarily exit the military by June 6, according to a memo obtained by Reuters. The memo details swift action following a Supreme Court decision allowing the ban to proceed.

President Donald Trump's administration is moving quickly to enforce the removal of thousands of transgender servicemembers. Hegseth's memo specifies that active duty troops have until June 6 to opt for "voluntary separation," while those in the Reserve forces have until July 7.

Once these deadlines pass, the Military Departments will start involuntary separation proceedings, as stated in the memo. The Pentagon has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the implementation of this policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)