U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to begin discharging transgender troops who do not voluntarily leave by June 6, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The decision, following a recent Supreme Court ruling, has drawn criticism from transgender rights activists, with one calling it “shameful.” The memo outlines a deadline for active duty transgender troops to opt for voluntary separation by June 6, with reserve forces given until July 7. After this period, involuntary separation processes will be initiated. President Trump’s administration has been firm in its stance on transgender rights, with the Pentagon’s ban on transgender servicemembers being just one of several measures taken. Former President Obama had allowed transgender individuals to serve openly in the military, a policy that was overturned by Trump. The memo also reveals Hegseth’s conservative views on cultural issues, including opposition to diversity initiatives at the Pentagon.
