In a significant policy shift, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered an immediate halt to gender-affirming medical care and recruiting of transgender individuals into the military. This decision reinstates a ban that had been lifted under the previous administration, creating uncertainty and anxiety among current transgender service members. Many veterans and advocacy groups are pushing back, arguing that such actions betray the values of service and sacrifice. Legal challenges are mounting against the ban, as various organizations and individuals seek to protect the rights of transgender individuals in the military. A recent Gallup poll indicates declining support for transgender service members, reflecting the divisive nature of this issue as the military navigates these sweeping changes.