Chicago March 13, 2025
A federal judge, Ana Reyes, announced on Wednesday that she plans to rule next week on whether to block President Donald Trump’s administration from banning transgender people from serving in the U.S. military. Reyes expressed her “strong hope” to issue a decision by Tuesday or Wednesday, acknowledging that her ruling may not be the final word due to the likelihood of an appeal.
During a daylong hearing in Washington, D.C., Reyes questioned a government attorney about the Defense Department’s new policy, which disqualifies people with gender dysphoria from military service. Reyes expressed skepticism about the administration’s motives and rationale, comparing the policy to the outdated “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
Reyes highlighted the relatively low cost of providing medical care for transgender troops, approximately $5.2 million annually, compared to the $42 million spent on erectile dysfunction medication. She emphasized the importance of treating transgender service members with respect and dignity, stating that they should not have to “be in hiding while in service”.
