White House Secretary Pete Hegseth raised concerns over a federal judge’s recent ruling mandating that the Pentagon allow transgender individuals to serve openly in the military. Hegseth suggested the judge should personally report to military bases to witness the impact of such decisions on troop readiness and operations.
The legal battle intensified after the judge blocked the administration’s restrictions on transgender service members, ordering the Department of Defense to reverse policies that limited their participation. The ruling sparked backlash from military officials who argued the decision could undermine unit cohesion and readiness during a period of heightened global tensions.
Hegseth criticized the judiciary’s involvement in military affairs, calling it an overreach that jeopardizes national security. He emphasized that decisions affecting the armed forces should be made by military leaders and the executive branch, not by judges lacking direct experience in military operations.
Further, Hegseth stressed that the judge’s ruling disregards the advice of senior defense officials, who have long warned that such policies could disrupt operations and add unnecessary burdens to commanders. He added that forcing the military to adapt to social policies risks weakening the armed forces when they are most needed.
The administration continues to challenge the ruling, maintaining that military policy should prioritize mission readiness and effectiveness above political agendas.