Judge blocks Trump's transgender military service ban again

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's policy banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. Judge Benjamin Settle described the policy as discriminatory and a "de facto blanket prohibition" on transgender service members, expressing concerns about its impact on military readiness. This ruling marks the second time a federal judge has opposed the policy. Judge Settle stated that the government failed to prove that banning transgender service members would enhance unit cohesion or discipline. He emphasized that years of open transgender service have not harmed these objectives. A group of seven active-duty service members filed the lawsuit, claiming the policy discriminates based on gender identity. The judge rejected arguments from the Justice Department framing the policy as a medical issue related to gender dysphoria. He highlighted that each plaintiff would be unfairly harmed by the policy. Judge Settle also noted the service records of the plaintiffs, including Commander Emily Shilling, who has extensive military experience. He criticized the government for ignoring the track record of these service members, who would face discharge simply for being transgender.