U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he signed four executive orders aimed at reshaping the administration and composition of the U.S. military, with provisions addressing diversity measures, transgender service members, and troops discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations, during a gathering with reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump also stated that he signed an executive order to establish a process for developing what the administration refers to as the "American Iron Dome," a missile defense system aimed at protecting the country.
The White House announced that President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender individuals from joining the military. The executive order directs the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) to update medical standards, including ending the use of gender-based pronouns.
The order stipulates that military service should prioritize physical fitness, mental health, and adherence to uniformity and sets guidelines for facilities to maintain separate spaces for different genders.
Trump mentioned that he signed the executive orders during his return trip to Washington from Florida.
CNN had earlier reported that Trump was expected to sign the orders, according to White House officials.
The executive orders come as Trump's nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon), Pete Hegseth, was sworn in as Secretary of Defense on Saturday. Hegseth had long stated his plans to implement major cultural changes in the military, including ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.