The Trump administration has not yet sent the directive, which takes the form of a two-and-a-half page memo, to military leaders. Reports of the memo come one month after Donald Trump appeared to blindside top military officials by announcing that the US military “will not accept or allow … transgender individuals to serve in any capacity”. A plan permitting the military to recruit transgender individuals was placed on hold for six months in June. Those opposed to transgender service argued the Obama-era policy would weaken military readiness and prove too costly. Transgender service members who have spoken up against a ban have said expulsion from the military could devastate their lives and careers.

Source: The Guardian August 24, 2017 17:02 UTC