Trump’s transgender military ban driven by ‘desire to harm,’ appeals court rules

An appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump's transgender military ban, implemented via an executive order in January 2025, violates constitutional equal protection rights due to being 'driven by the bare desire to harm' transgender individuals. The 2-1 decision upheld a lower court's preliminary injunction allowing case plaintiffs to continue service, though the ruling does not universally apply to all transgender service members or those seeking enlistment. Judge Justin R. Walker dissented, arguing the military has unique authority over its members.