Trump Indefinitely Extends Ban On Transgender Recruits, But Leaves Wiggle Room For Those Already Serving
According to one official, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has been directed to take a number of factors into consideration such as "military effectiveness," budgetary constraints and "unit cohesion," as well as others he deems "relevant."
The Associated Press:
Fate Of Transgender Already In Military Unclear Under Order
President Donald Trump on Friday directed the Pentagon to extend indefinitely a ban on transgender individuals joining the military, but he appeared to leave open the possibility of allowing some already in uniform to remain. Trump gave Defense Secretary Jim Mattis authority to decide the matter of openly transgender individuals already serving, and he said that until the Pentagon chief makes that decision, "no action may be taken against" them. (Burns, 8/26)
The Wall Street Journal:
Trump Signs Memo Aimed At Banning Transgender Military Service Members
The new policy, outlined in a call from senior administration officials late Friday, makes exceptions for those receiving medical care in some cases “to protect the health of the individual who has already begun treatment. ”The policy pertains not only to the Defense Department, but also to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the U.S. Coast Guard. (Lubold, 8/25)
In other news —
Politico:
Trump’s Most Popular Cabinet Secretary Is Obama Holdover
VA Secretary David Shulkin has proven to be something unique in President Donald Trump's Washington: an Obama appointee nominated by Trump who is beloved by almost everyone and getting stuff done. By tweaking regulations, he has managed to fire hundreds of allegedly incompetent employees, publicized waiting times at VA clinics, gotten money to expand vets’ treatment by private doctors, and expanded care for isolated vets through telemedicine and mobile phones, while promising to close 430 vacant VA buildings and speed up benefit awards. Shulkin also made a bold — and risky — decision to bypass contracting rules to buy a $16 billion digital health record system. (Allen, 8/28)