A federal judge rigorously questioned Justice Department lawyers regarding President Trump's executive order affecting transgender individuals serving in the military. Judge Ana Reyes pressed for clarification on the January 27th order, which directs the Department of Defense to revise its guidelines on medical standards for transgender military service. The order aims to align these standards with military readiness but lacks specific details on implementation, a point Judge Reyes emphasized.
The judge's questioning covered a range of topics, including the administration's recent actions concerning transgender individuals, such as proposed changes to homeless shelter access. Judge Reyes even posed a hypothetical question about how such actions might be perceived from a religious perspective.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes pictured with a group of protesters (Getty Images / YouTube / SenatorDurbin)
President Donald Trump addressing reporters in the Oval Office while signing an executive order (AP/Ben Curtis)
Justice Department lawyer Jason Lynch stated the government couldn't answer the judge's hypothetical religious query. The rapid-fire questioning kept both sides engaged but didn't immediately lead to a ruling or provide answers about the executive order's specifics.
The Trump administration and its lawyers have not yet provided assurances that the plaintiffs in the case will not be discharged or discriminated against due to the executive order. They characterize the order as a temporary pause, allowing the Defense Department to adjust its policies to match the President's directive.
Judge Reyes expressed concern over the order's potential implications for transgender service members, questioning its alignment with military preparedness. She presented a hypothetical scenario involving the installation of arcade game machines in military units to illustrate the need for clearer policy guidelines.
A transgender rights supporter rallies outside the U.S. Supreme Court during oral arguments on transgender health rights (Kevin Dietsch/Getty)
Lynch responded that such policy decisions would ultimately be determined by the president. Judge Reyes also questioned whether the order inherently categorizes individuals based on sex, potentially leading to discrimination. She emphasized that she would not rule on the executive action until the Trump administration provided more detailed policy outlines, specifically addressing the potential effects on transgender service members.
The judge reiterated her need for clarification from Lynch, recognizing him as the legal representative for the Trump administration. The new military policy is scheduled to become effective on February 28th, with a court hearing regarding the executive order set for March 3rd.
