Trump Signs Executive Orders to Reshape US Military
US President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping the US military and fulfilling key campaign promises.
One of the orders, signed late Monday, bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the military, the Defense Department, and the Homeland Security Department. This order eliminates race- and sex-based preferences across these institutions.
Another order reinstates over 8,000 service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
A third executive order directs officials to develop a policy on transgender troops, though it does not immediately bar transgender individuals from military service.
A fourth mandate calls for the creation of an "American Iron Dome," modeled after Israel’s missile defense system, while a proclamation was also signed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation.
All the orders were signed aboard Air Force One.
DEI Ban in the Military
The order titled “Restoring America’s Fighting Force” seeks to eliminate race- or sex-based preferences from military operations and related departments. It also calls for the removal of DEI-related bureaucracy and mandates an internal review within 90 days to identify and document DEI-related initiatives, including any instances of race or sex discrimination.
The Trump administration argues that removing DEI programs will help address recruitment challenges, as military services missed their 2023 recruitment goals by a collective 41,000 personnel.
Swift Action on Campaign Promises
Eliminating DEI programs across federal institutions was a central theme of Trump’s campaign, and the administration has moved quickly to deliver on this promise after taking office last week.
DEI initiatives are designed to promote inclusivity in workplaces by addressing the historical underrepresentation of marginalized groups. Supporters of DEI argue that these programs combat systemic discrimination, while critics claim they can perpetuate reverse discrimination.
Broader Military Changes on the Horizon
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Monday that further executive actions targeting DEI and related programs are forthcoming.
"We’re committed to restoring focus on merit, capability, and mission readiness in the military," Hegseth said.
Other Key Orders
The reinstatement of service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine reverses a controversial policy that sparked debate during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the development of an "American Iron Dome" reflects an effort to bolster the nation’s defense systems, drawing inspiration from Israel’s proven missile defense technology.
As the administration continues to roll out these changes, their long-term impact on military recruitment, readiness, and inclusivity remains to be seen.
Trump Pushes Sweeping Changes to Military Policies in First Week of Office
US President Donald Trump has enacted a series of executive orders reshaping the military, focusing on diversity initiatives, transgender policies, and reinstating troops discharged over vaccine mandates.
DEI Initiatives Targeted
A December 2020 report by the Department of Defense’s Board on Diversity and Inclusion recommended removing “aptitude test barriers” and embedding diversity values into military leadership curricula. However, Trump’s administration has moved swiftly to dismantle such programs, labeling them “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral.”
Over the weekend, reports emerged that the US Air Force was reviewing training material on Black and female pilots from World War II to comply with the new directives. However, military officials clarified on Sunday that certain curricula would remain part of basic training.
Trump has maintained that the military’s mission is “to win wars, not to be woke.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, stating the military’s focus is on “lethality, readiness, and warfighting.”
The administration argues that removing DEI programs will help address recruitment shortfalls after the military collectively missed its 2023 goals by 41,000 personnel. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday that 60 DEI-focused employees, collectively earning $8 million annually, had been placed on leave as part of efforts to implement Trump’s orders.
Transgender Troops Policy
Trump has also directed the military to formulate new policies on transgender service members. The order emphasizes "military excellence and readiness," declaring that “expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex” is incompatible with service standards.
The order also bans pronoun usage across the Department of Defense and prohibits males from accessing female-designated facilities. These moves mark a reversal of a 2021 policy under President Biden, which allowed transgender individuals to serve openly.
Advocacy groups such as Sparta criticized the move, pointing to the successful service of transgender troops in combat zones. Sue Fulton, an Army veteran and senior advisor to Sparta, noted that the readiness and physical capabilities of transgender personnel are comparable to their peers.
A 2017 report by the Palm Center estimated that discharging transgender troops could cost the military nearly $1 billion, adding further controversy to the decision.
Reinstating Troops Discharged Over Vaccine Refusal
Trump’s administration also reinstated more than 8,000 service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic. These troops will return with full back pay, benefits, and their previous ranks.
In his inauguration speech, Trump called their removal “unjust,” marking their reinstatement as a priority. However, critics, including a former Pentagon official, have raised concerns that the move could undermine discipline and set a precedent for opting out of other mandatory vaccinations.
Broader Impact of Trump’s Military Overhaul
These executive orders represent a significant pivot in US military policy, emphasizing merit-based performance, cost-cutting, and traditional roles. However, the long-term effects of these changes—particularly on recruitment, morale, and inclusivity—remain uncertain.
As Trump’s administration continues to implement sweeping reforms, debate persists over their potential to enhance or hinder the military's readiness and global standing.
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