The Trump administration has set a deadline of June 6 for transgender troops to leave the military voluntarily, offering them an honorable discharge and extra separation pay. Some have accepted this offer, while others have chosen to contest the ban.
In the spring, the administration announced its intention to remove all transgender service members from the military, prompting many to decide whether to accept the separation pay or face potential forced discharge with negative consequences. The deadline for this decision has now arrived, and numerous transgender troops are opting to remain and fight the ban.
Captain Katie Benn, an Army officer with over 12 years of service, initially considered accepting the separation pay but ultimately decided to stay and apply for a waiver to continue her service. She expressed her commitment to the Army and her determination to fight the ban.
The Pentagon estimates that there are approximately 4,200 transgender service members, representing about 0.2 percent of the total military force. These individuals have served openly since 2016 in various roles across the military.
In the early days of President Trump’s second term, an executive order was issued to bar transgender individuals from military service, citing conflicts with the commitment to an honorable lifestyle. This led to immediate legal challenges from two groups of transgender troops, who argued that the order was discriminatory. A federal judge initially blocked the ban, but the Supreme Court later allowed it to proceed.
The Defense Department has offered active-duty transgender troops double the usual separation pay if they agree to leave voluntarily by the deadline. Those who do not comply may face involuntary discharge and possible repayment of enlistment bonuses, although the specifics regarding discharges and benefits remain unclear.
Reports indicate that about 1,000 transgender troops have opted for voluntary separation, but updated numbers have not been provided. For those who choose to remain, the situation can be challenging. Sgt. First Class Julia Becraft, who has deployed to Afghanistan multiple times, has been sidelined from her unit and has struggled with the emotional toll of the ban.
Cmdr. Emily Shilling, a Navy fighter pilot and president of the transgender military advocacy group SPARTA, noted that approximately half of the transgender troops appear to be leaving voluntarily. She has decided to leave to maintain her security clearances and advocate more effectively outside of uniform.
As the deadline approaches, questions remain about how the military will identify and discharge those who refuse to leave. A senior defense official indicated that periodic health checks would be used to screen for gender dysphoria, but it remains unclear how the military will handle those who resist discharge.
The Trump administration argues that the ban is necessary for military readiness and morale, although data suggests that the costs associated with transgender service members are minimal compared to the overall military health budget. Many transgender troops assert that their service records contradict the administration's claims.
While there is a possibility that the ban could be overturned, ongoing litigation continues to unfold. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jo Ellis, a National Guard pilot, expressed her determination to remain in the military until forced out, emphasizing her capability and commitment to service.