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On his first day back as president, Donald Trump revoked numerous Biden-era policies, including a key executive order that had allowed transgender individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military. This decision, signed during a ceremony at Capitol One Arena, underscores Trump’s determination to reverse policies he views as counter to his administration’s priorities.
Trump’s revocation of Executive Order 14004, signed by Joe Biden in January 2021, dismantles protections for transgender servicemembers that Biden had restored after Trump’s initial ban in 2018.
The Biden order, titled Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform, had prohibited the military from discharging individuals based on gender identity and allowed those impacted by past discrimination to correct their service records.
By undoing this policy, Trump reinstated restrictions that align with his administration’s more conservative military stance.
In a statement, the White House framed the revocation as part of a broader rollback of what it described as “radical, inflationary, and illegal” practices instituted under Biden.
Trump’s administration specifically criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, claiming they undermined traditional values of merit and hard work by promoting a “divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy.”
Trump also repealed several DEI-focused policies across federal agencies, including measures addressing racial equity and protections against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. The administration argued these policies had compromised efficiency and cohesion, especially within the armed forces.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Chair of the House Armed Services Committee, praised Trump’s actions, stating, “This marks a critical step in restoring our military’s focus on strength and lethality.”
In his inauguration speech, Trump reinforced his commitment to reshaping federal policies. He announced plans to formally recognize only two genders and to replace Biden’s DEI programs with systems emphasizing merit and equality.
His nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has publicly opposed transgender individuals serving in the military, aligning with Trump’s position.
Monday’s actions also align with broader Republican efforts to limit transgender rights within the armed forces. Recently, the GOP inserted an amendment into the 2025 defense bill that blocks military families from accessing gender-affirming care for transgender children.
While President Biden ultimately signed the bill into law, the provision drew significant opposition from Democrats.
Trump’s actions have reignited debates over equity and inclusion in the military. Critics argue that his policies marginalize vulnerable groups and undermine progress toward a more inclusive armed forces. Supporters, however, applaud the shift as a return to prioritizing operational readiness and traditional values.
This revocation signals the beginning of Trump’s efforts to reshape federal governance to reflect his conservative agenda.
It sets a tone for his administration’s focus on reversing Biden-era policies and prioritizing conservative values across the military and government institutions.
