A federal appeals court ruled that portions of the Trump administration’s policy restricting transgender military service violate the Constitution.
The three-judge panel issued a 2-1 decision Monday, finding that key elements of the ban lack legal justification. The court determined the policy appears motivated by animus toward a politically disfavored group rather than legitimate military interests.
The Court’s Findings
The appeals panel stated the policy “appears to be driven by the bare desire to harm a politically unpopular group.” The judges found that some disqualifications under the rule are “completely unexplained and have no reasonable justification.”
According to the decision, the policy targets applicants and service members based on what the administration considers a “false gender identity.” The court noted the restrictions extend well beyond disqualifying individuals with gender dysphoria.
What Remains in Place
Despite the ruling, the appeals court allowed Trump’s ban on enlisting new transgender troops to remain in effect during the legal process. The decision does not end the broader policy dispute.
The case now faces potential further appeals, keeping the transgender military service question unresolved. Legal challenges to the administration’s position are ongoing in multiple courts.
This story has been updated. CNN’s legal team contributed to this report.
