Biden signs executive order reversing transgender military ban on first day in office

President Biden signed an executive order on January 20, 2021 — his first day in office — directing the military to allow transgender individuals to serve openly and to extend all associated benefits, including transition-related medical care. The order reversed Trump first-term ban and reinstated the Carter-era policy framework. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued implementing guidance within weeks, directing the services to re-examine any transgender service member who had been discharged or faced adverse action under the Trump policy.