Judge Demands Retraction from Hegseth Over Transgender Military Policy

A federal judge has ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to clarify his stance on a controversial transgender military policy following a heated court session.

In a tense courtroom exchange, U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes, appointed by President Biden, sharply criticized a social media post by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the Pentagon’s policy on transgender military service. The policy, which stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, stipulates that transgender individuals or those with gender dysphoria are barred from military service unless they receive an exemption.

The controversy escalated when Hegseth retweeted a statement suggesting that all transgender troops are automatically disqualified from service, prompting a legal challenge from transgender rights groups seeking to block the policy. During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Reyes confronted Justice Department lawyer Jason Manion about the discrepancy between Hegseth’s public statement and the actual policy details.

Reyes expressed skepticism over the government’s explanation, stating, “Do you really think you can do that, say one thing in public and then come here to court and say something else entirely?” She demanded that Hegseth submit a written declaration by Monday clarifying whether his post was intended to apply to all transgender individuals or if it was a misrepresentation of the policy.

The policy in question was part of a broader directive from President Trump in January, aimed at updating military medical standards to enhance readiness. As of December, approximately 4,240 active duty, guard, and reserve service members were reported to have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, according to government figures.

The case continues to draw national attention as it touches on broader issues of military policy, transgender rights, and the balance between executive authority and judicial oversight.