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May 6th, 2025, 3:41 PM ET·Politics

Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Military Ban Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges

The Supreme Court's recent ruling allows the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender military service while legal challenges continue.


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Last Update: 6:29 PM ET

Summary

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On May 6, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the enforcement of the Trump administration's ban on transgender individuals in the military while legal challenges progress. This policy could expel experienced service members, prompting significant criticism as it lacks justifications for its reinstatement. A federal district court had previously ruled against the ban, considering it discriminatory. Advocacy groups, including Lambda Legal, have denounced the ruling as prejudiced and harmful to military cohesion. The LGBTQ community argues the ban contradicts the principle of equal protection, while the case now proceeds in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Sources (26)

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The Supreme Court Approved Trump’s Trans Military Purge in the Most Shameful Way Possible
SlateSlate·15d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…The forced removal of these service members—who joined the military on the good-faith belief that the U.S. government welcomed their service—will mark one of the most sweeping acts of government-imposed bigotry in modern times."

Supreme Court allows Trump ban on transgender members of the military to take effect, for now
Boston GlobeBoston Globe·15d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The Trump administration offered no explanation as to why transgender troops, who have been able to serve openly over the past four years with no evidence of problems, should suddenly be banned, Settle wrote."

Supreme Court Backs Trump’s Ban on Transgender Troops
TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·15d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The trans military ban is just one of several actions Trump has taken against the transgender community."

The Supreme Court just let Trump ban trans people from the military
VoxVox·15d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Yet, while the Trump administration’s brief in the Shilling case is poorly argued, the Court is almost certain to reinstate the trans military ban, in part because the case is little more than a sequel to a fight that already played out in the first Trump administration."

US supreme court allows Trump trans military ban to take effect
The GuardianThe Guardian·15d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The move comes on the heels of the Trump administration asking the supreme court last month to reinstate its ban on transgender troops serving in the armed forces after several judges issued separate rulings against it."

Divided Supreme Court allows Trump administration to begin enforcing ban on transgender service members | Politics
CNNCNN·15d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The decision is a major victory for President Donald Trump in his effort to get the high court to unlock various parts of his second-term agenda that have been held up by lower courts reviewing scores of legal challenges to his policies."

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Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Military Ban Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges - Pano News