A federal appeals court has affirmed a lower court ruling that blocks the Trump administration from discharging transgender troops from the U.S. military.
The appeals court panel’s 2-1 decision largely upholds a March 2025 ruling by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C.
Reyes concluded that Trump’s executive order to exclude transgender troops from military service likely violates their constitutional rights.
NEW: A federal appeals court has concluded that the Trump administration’s transgender military ban is likely unconstitutional and “appears to be driven by the bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group.”
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— ABC News (@ABC) June 1, 2026
From ABC News:
In a 2-1 decision, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s decision blocking the Department of Defense from removing current servicemembers because of their gender dysphoria.
“At this preliminary stage, I conclude that the Hegseth Policy is both arbitrary and based upon animus, and for those reasons the Policy violates Plaintiff-Appellees’ constitutional right to equal protection of the law,” wrote Judge Robert Wilkins, referring to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The administration’s enlistment policy prohibiting new trans recruits remains in place.
The six plaintiffs in the original lawsuit include a Sailor of the Year honoree, a Bronze Star recipient and several who were awarded meritorious service medals.
“I’ve spent more than half my life in the Army, including combat in Afghanistan,” Army Sgt. 1st Class Kate Cole told AP News. “Removing qualified transgender soldiers like me means an exodus of experienced personnel.”
Just In:
A federal appeals court says the Trump administration cannot block current transgender service members from serving in the military. As for transgender people who are trying to enter the military, they will not be able to do so.
Attys for the service member who… pic.twitter.com/GDmKNW4T64
— Ava-joye (@Avajoye) June 1, 2026
Judge Robert Wilkins said key provisions of the Trump administration’s transgender military policy may be driven by a “bare desire to harm” transgender people. https://t.co/Kv4uu5M2an
— The Advocate (@TheAdvocateMag) June 1, 2026
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