Federal Court Blocks Military Ban

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has issued a decision in Talbott v. USA upholding a preliminary injunction halting the discharge of trans servicemembers. The preliminary injunction was issued by District Court Judge Ana Reyes on March 18th 2025. In a forceful order in which Reyes held that the ban undermines national security & is likely unconstitutional, she called it “soaked with animus & dripping with pretext.” However Judge Reyes’ order was temporarily stayed by the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit pending the outcome of today’s decision on the merits. As the result of this decision the preliminary injunction will take effect blocking the government from discharging the transgender servicemember plaintiffs in Talbott. Shannon Minter National Center for LGBTQ Rights Legal Director stated, “This is a dramatic shift in the status quo. Before today, the Trump administration was actively taking steps to discharge these courageous plaintiffs. Today’s decision stops this administration from doing so. Servicemembers were preparing to be hauled before review boards & discharged—despite years of honorable service. The court today affirmed the District Court’s careful findings that this administration’s ban on transgender military service has no legitimate basis.” Jennifer Levi, GLAD Law Senior Director of Transgender & Queer Rights concluded, “Today’s decision is a powerful vindication of the plaintiffs’ extraordinary courage & unwavering commitment to their country. This decisive ruling confirms that the Trump Administration has no legitimate basis to discharge transgender servicemembers who have met every demanding standard & proven, time & again, their fitness & dedication to serve.” Fabulous way to kick off Pride month.

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