On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to update the Pentagon's policy on transgender troops, likely leading to a future ban on their service in the military.

The order also called for reinstating troops who were removed for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, rolling back diversity programs, and implementing a space-based missile defence shield for the U.S. This announcement came as Hegseth started his first day in office. Parts of the expected directives were discussed by Trump and Hegseth throughout the day, but the precise wording was not released until late Monday evening. There had been widespread expectations of a transgender ban, and the order Trump signed essentially initiated a future ban while instructing Hegseth to devise a policy for its implementation.

Trump stated in his order that troops who identify as a gender other than their biological one are detrimental to military readiness and that their service conflicts with their commitment to an honourable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle even in their personal lives. As a result, a revised policy is needed to address the issue. During his first administration, Trump attempted to prohibit transgender troops, but his decision was overturned by then-President Joe Biden soon after he took office following years of legal wrangling. Attorneys for transgender troops who legally contested the ban during Trump's first term have already promised to oppose the latest prohibition.

During his first term, Trump established the US Space Command and the US Space Force, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Space remains a key focus for the president, who has now ordered the Pentagon to work on developing the ability to shoot down missiles from space. For years, the US has warned that countries like China and Russia are turning space into a battlefield. At times, the US has revealed classified information about their efforts to create weapons capable of disabling important US satellites. These include technologies to move satellites out of orbit, temporarily blind them, or even destroy them. To counter this, the Space Force is building a network of low-orbit satellites that can better track and detect potential missile launches.

The United States hasn't explored the idea of shooting down missiles from space since the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan introduced the Strategic Defense Initiative, often called "Star Wars." However, this system was never built because it was too expensive and technologically challenging. On Monday, Trump issued an order called "Iron Dome for America," proposing a multi-layer missile defence system. This system would be designed to address various threats to the U.S., including the creation and use of space-based interceptors. 

In 2021, over 8,200 troops were removed from the military for refusing to follow a lawful order by declining the COVID-19 vaccine. In 2023, they were notified that they could return to service, but only 113 have rejoined so far.

To be reinstated, these former service members must meet the military's current entry standards unless former President Trump decides to change that policy. Both Trump and Hegseth have repeatedly emphasised that the military should not lower its standards. Speaking at his Trump National Doral Miami resort, Trump assured a Republican audience that any service member removed due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate would be fully reinstated, restored to their previous rank, and receive back pay. While this order isn’t expected to bring back a large number of troops, it could still impact the military’s budget if more choose to return, as back pay would need to be provided. 

To rejoin, individuals must meet specific requirements, such as weight, fitness and medical standards. They may also be disqualified if they now have a criminal record or other issues. Officers would need to go through a simple appointment process to get recommissioned. Based on reports, 3,748 Marines were discharged, and 25 have chosen to re-enlist. For the Army, 1,903 soldiers were discharged, with 73 returning. The Navy discharged 1,878 sailors, and two re-enlisted. In the Air Force, 671 airmen were discharged, and 13 have rejoined.

The Pentagon mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all service members, including the National Guard and Reserve, in August 2021. At the time, the pandemic was causing widespread illness and deaths, and troops were involved in vaccination efforts nationwide. Former Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasised that getting the COVID-19 vaccine was essential for keeping the military healthy and ready to protect the nation. In January 2023, the Pentagon officially ended the vaccine mandate following the passage of a new law. At the time, defence officials noted that some service members used the vaccine requirement as an opportunity to leave the military quickly. On Monday, officials added that many of those who left had since found new jobs settled into their lives and were not interested in rejoining the service.

Trump issued an order to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, initiatives, and references within the Defense Department and the Coast Guard, which is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. The order aims to remove any elements of such initiatives that promote race-based preferences, undermine meritocracy, allow unconstitutional discrimination, or introduce divisive concepts and gender ideology. It bans the departments from supporting or adopting ideas that claim America's founding documents are racist or sexist, discuss gender ideology, or promote divisive ideas like race or sex stereotyping. The order requires the Defence and Homeland Security secretaries to provide guidance for implementing these changes within 30 days. Additionally, a review must be conducted to identify any DEI-related actions, with a report due to the defence secretary within 90 days. 

The secretaries must submit a report to the White House within six months, detailing their progress. The Pentagon had already begun working to comply with Trump's initial ban on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, which has had significant effects. Due to a lack of clear guidance, agencies have been broadly removing any content that might violate the ban. As a result, videos about the Tuskegee Airmen and World War II Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) were temporarily removed. These videos were part of DEI training courses used in the Air Force's basic military training, which were taken down last week, sparking widespread concern. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) played a crucial role in ferrying warplanes for the military during World War II. Similarly, the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots in the U.S., served in a segregated unit during the war. Their all-Black 332nd Fighter Group achieved one of the lowest bomber escort loss records in the war.

On Sunday, the Air Force clarified that while its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses are being revised, the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs will continue to be taught. The updated training will focus on the documented legacy and valour of these units and Airmen during World War II and beyond. This revised content is set to resume on January 27, according to an Air Force statement. Hegseth, accompanied by Gen. CQ Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not comment on the training changes as he arrived at the Pentagon Monday morning. However, he emphasised that military training will prioritise readiness and meet the needs of troops in the field to deter threats. Hegseth also addressed the situation at the border, stating that active-duty troops, National Guard, and state-activated Guard forces will be provided as needed. He was confirmed as Defense Secretary on Friday night in a Senate tie vote broken by Vice President JD Vance.