Pentagon Takes Aim at DEI, Covid-19 Expulsions and Transgender Troops

US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on Jan. 27 that removed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from the military, reinstated thousands of troops who had been kicked out for refusing Covid-19 vaccines during the pandemic, and one that appeared to be aimed at transgender troops.

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WASHINGTON –

Earlier on Jan. 27, Mr. Pete Hegseth – who narrowly secured enough votes to become defense chief – referred to the names of Confederate generals that were once used for two key bases during his remarks to reporters as he entered the Pentagon on his first full day on the job.

Mr. Trump signed the executive orders while flying back from Miami to Washington, D.C.

One of the executive orders signed by Mr. Trump said that expressing a "gender identity" different from an individual's sex at birth did not meet military standards.

While the order banned the use of "invented" pronouns in the military, it did not answer basic questions, including whether transgender soldiers currently serving in the military would be allowed to stay and, if not, how they would be removed.

Mr. Trump's plans have been heavily criticized by advocacy groups, which say his actions would be illegal.

Mr. Joshua Block, who is with the American Civil Liberties Union, on Jan. 27 said: "President Trump has made clear that a key priority for his administration is driving transgender people back into the closet and out of public life altogether."

During his first term, Mr. Trump announced that he would ban transgender troops from serving in the military.