WASHINGTON - A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender people from military service on Tuesday, ruling the ban likely violates constitutional rights [1][2][3].

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction that will temporarily halt the implementation of the ban until Friday morning, allowing time for the administration to appeal [1]. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 14 transgender active-duty service members [1].

The January 27, 2025 executive order would have disqualified people with gender dysphoria from military service and required the identification and removal of transgender service members currently serving [4]. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's February 26 implementation policy would have mandated separation from service for affected personnel [1].

In her ruling, Judge Reyes cited several key factors undermining the administration's position:

- Data showing transgender service members often deploy longer than non-transgender counterparts with similar conditions [5]

- Annual costs for gender-affirming care ($5.2 million) represent a fraction of other military healthcare spending [5]

- The ban's language demonstrated potential animus rather than legitimate military necessity [4]

'The cruel irony is that thousands of transgender servicemembers have sacrificed—some risking their lives—to ensure for others the very equal protection rights the military ban seeks to deny them,' wrote Judge Reyes [1].

The Department of Defense currently has thousands of transgender service members, representing less than 1% of active-duty personnel [3]. This marks a significant shift from 2016 when transgender individuals were first permitted to serve openly [3].

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the ruling [1]. The administration is expected to appeal the decision [5].