The U.S. Department of Defense on May 8 confirmed that approximately 1,000 service members who have identified as having gender dysphoria will begin the voluntary separation process under new guidance that reinstates a ban on military service for those diagnosed with or exhibiting symptoms of gender dysphoria.

“Today, the Department will issue guidance to the Military Departments and Services ending the accession of individuals with a current diagnosis or history of, or symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria and all non-medically necessary treatment,” said Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell. The new policy marks a significant shift in military personnel standards and reflects President Donald J. Trump’s directive issued earlier this year. “Approximately 1,000 Service members who have self-identified as being diagnosed with gender dysphoria will begin the voluntary separation process.”
The decision comes days after the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6–3 vote, granted a stay of a lower court ruling that had blocked the policy. The majority did not issue an opinion, nor did the three dissenting justices. The stay allows the Department of Defense to enforce the new policy as litigation continues in a case brought by a group of transgender service members.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the move as necessary for maintaining military readiness and cohesion. “This is the president’s agenda, this is what the American people voted for, and we’re going to continue to relentlessly pursue it,” Hegseth said in a video statement. In a memorandum dated May 8, he wrote that “service by individuals with a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibiting symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria is not in the best interest of the Military Services and is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security.”
They are mentally unstable, to put them into a war situation is inviting failure or disaster.

















