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Transgender troops who are currently in the United States military may remain in the ranks, the White House said late Friday, but the Pentagon could require them to serve according to their gender at birth. The policy recommendation that President Trump approved flatly states that “transgender persons who require or have undergone gender transition are disqualified from military service.” But it also largely gives the Pentagon the ability to make exceptions where it sees fit. (Cooper and Gibbons-Neff, 3/24)

"This new policy will enable the military to apply well-established mental and physical health standards — including those regarding the use of medical drugs — equally to all individuals who want to join and fight for the best military force the world has ever seen," White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Friday. The new policy was promptly assailed by congressional Democrats and civil rights groups. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted, "No one with the strength & bravery to serve in the U.S. military should be turned away because of who they are. This hateful ban is purpose-built to humiliate our brave transgender members of the military who serve with honor & dignity." (Thomas, 3/24)

The administration decision comes amid federal court rulings requiring the Pentagon to maintain a policy of open transgender service. The Justice Department was expected to file at least one motion Friday evening in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington state to argue the court should lift an injunction that prevented the Pentagon from banning transgender service members. The Trump administration faces a number of court orders that require the Pentagon to maintain the previous policy until they are reversed. “DoD will continue to comply with court rulings and continue to assess and retain transgender service members,” said Maj. Dave Eastburn, a Pentagon spokesman. (Lubold, 3/24)