A federal appeals court has sided with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and the Trump administration by allowing the reinstated ban on transgender Americans serving in the U.S. military to take effect while litigation continues. In a 2–1 decision, the D.C. Circuit ruled that the lower court, led by Biden-appointed Judge Ana Reyes, failed to give sufficient deference to military judgment. The majority opinion, written by Judge Gregory Katsas, emphasized that the Pentagon’s 2025 policy barring service by individuals with gender dysphoria was based on assessments of combat readiness, unit cohesion and cost control.
The ruling follows a series of executive orders President Donald Trump issued in January directing the military to eliminate race- and sex-based preferences and to reassess gender-identity-related policies. Judge Reyes had previously blocked the policy and sharply questioned government lawyers, prompting public criticism from Hegseth. The Supreme Court had already allowed the ban to proceed in May while the case moved through lower courts.
In a separate action, the Supreme Court vacated a ruling that upheld New York’s strict school vaccination requirements, which do not allow religious exemptions. The case—brought by Amish parents—was sent back to the 2nd Circuit for reconsideration in light of a recent decision strengthening parental rights. Advocates for the Amish community called the move an important victory for religious freedom.