Some trans military members banned by Trump allowed to continue service under ruling

A U.S. federal appeals court ruled that a Trump administration policy banning transgender military members from service violates their constitutional right to equal protection. The 2-1 decision allows eight plaintiffs to continue serving but does not extend to all transgender service members or those seeking enlistment. The policy, issued via executive order in 2025 and enforced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, was deemed arbitrary and driven by animus toward transgender individuals.