Reversing Trump ban on transgender troops, Pentagon releases new policies
Susan Walsh/AP
Stephanie Miller, head of accession policy at the Pentagon, left, speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
By: The Associated Press & Scripps National
Posted at 10:30 AM, Apr 01, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-01 13:34:23-04
WASHINGTON (AP) â The Pentagon has swept away Trump-era policies that largely banned transgender people from serving in the military and issued new rules that broaden their access to medical care and gender transition.
The new Department of Defense regulations allow transgender people who meet military standards to enlist and serve openly in their self-identified gender, and they will be able to get medically necessary transition-related care authorized by law.
Transgender troops no longer barred from service as Biden repeals policy in move to boost inclusiveness
President’s latest repeal of a Trump order draws praise from Democrats and LGTBQ activists, but criticism from some conservatives.
Transgender people are no longer barred from serving in the military after President Joe Biden repealed former President Donald Trump’s partial ban on transgender troops Monday.
“America is stronger, at home and around the world, when it is inclusive. The military is no exception,” Biden’s order says. “Allowing all qualified Americans to serve their country in uniform is better for the military and better for the country because an inclusive force is a more effective force.”
Deseret News
Joe Biden wants Americans to unite, but these social media posts show that’s a controversial idea
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Charles Sykes, Associated Press
In his inauguration speech, President Joe Biden said that to overcome its problems, America needs “the most elusive of things in a democracy” unity.
“Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: bringing America together. Uniting our people. And uniting our nation,” Biden said.
But less than a week into the new administration, many conservatives are already done with the unity talk.
Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly has been the most outspoken, telling Glenn Beck on his television show that the idea of unity is “fool’s gold.”
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy will reportedly preside over Trump impeachment trial instead of Chief Justice John Roberts
CNN reported Monday â and Senate sources later confirmed to NPR and
Axios â that Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the president pro tempore of the Senate, will preside over the trial, which is set to begin Feb. 8.
The Constitution dictates the Supreme Court s chief justice oversee a sitting president s impeachment trial, and Roberts did what was required last year when Trump was impeached for the first time, but the fact that this trial is taking place after Trump left office provided some legal wiggle room since there s no precedent for the situation. Roberts reportedly wanted to avoid another Senate trial because he was displeased with the politicization of his role last year.