Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reinstate military personnel discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. This action fulfills a campaign promise and follows an inauguration pledge to address what he deemed an unjust dismissal of service members.
The executive order mandates the Secretary of Defense to reinstate both active and reserve members who were discharged due to their vaccination status and who wish to return. These reinstated individuals will have their previous rank restored, along with back pay and benefits.
The White House notes that between 2021 and 2023, the Biden administration discharged over 8,000 troops solely based on their COVID-19 vaccination status. Following the mandate's repeal in 2023, a mere 43 of those dismissed opted to rejoin under the Biden administration.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised to reinstate these service members with back pay and an apology from the government. This executive order marks the fulfillment of that promise, occurring within his first full week back in office.
