Trump Administration Appeals to Supreme Court to Fire Transgender Troops

The administration of Donald Trump has filed an urgent appeal with the Supreme Court of the United States seeking permission to fire 29 transgender military service members. The group consists of active-duty personnel, reservists, National Guard members, and one enlistment candidate. This legal action comes ahead of a January trial concerning a Pentagon ban on transgender service.

Federal judges in the case of U.S. v. Talbott blocked the discharge of these plaintiffs in June, ruling that the ban likely violated constitutional rights to due process and equal protection. Solicitor General D. John Sauer characterized that lower court ruling as "gravely erroneous."

The administration bases its position on a January 2025 executive order asserting that gender identities divergent from biological sex conflict with military service standards. In February 2025, Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth paused gender-affirming medical procedures and accessions for transgender recruits. The 29 plaintiffs will remain in the military or the enlistment process until the Supreme Court reaches a decision.