US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what he calls “transgender ideology” from the US military, marking a significant shift in military policy with potential implications for LGBTQ rights.

The directive, announced during a Republican congressional retreat in Miami, is part of broader military reforms introduced by Trump, including reinstating service members dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and extending restrictions on diversity programs within the armed forces.

“To ensure that we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military,” Trump declared.

While details of the order remain unclear, a White House official described it as an effort to address “gender radicalism in the military.”

The move comes as Trump begins his second term in office, reigniting a debate over transgender service in the armed forces. The issue has seen fluctuating policies in recent years, with former President Barack Obama lifting a ban on transgender service members in 2016, followed by Trump reversing the decision during his first term. President Joe Biden later reinstated inclusive policies in 2021.

Critics argue that banning transgender personnel could weaken the military by excluding qualified individuals at a time when recruitment remains challenging. Trump, however, has maintained that such measures are necessary to strengthen military readiness and cohesion.

The executive order is part of a broader military agenda introduced by Trump, which also includes plans to develop a US version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.