What's happened
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, potentially discharging thousands of active service members. This move follows his previous ban during his first term, which was reversed by President Biden.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Trump plans to issue an executive order banning transgender individuals from military service, which could lead to the discharge of thousands of active personnel. The Guardian highlights concerns over Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, who has faced allegations of misconduct and has criticized key US alliances. The Mirror reports that Trump's administration may prioritize military policies that align with his views on 'woke' practices, potentially exacerbating recruitment issues at a time when the military is struggling to meet its targets.
How we got here
Trump's initial ban on transgender military service was enacted in 2019, citing medical costs and disruption. Biden reversed this policy, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly. Trump's return to office signals a potential reversion to his earlier stance.
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