Shortly after stepping into office on Monday, President Donald Trump repealed a rule introduced by former President Joe Biden.

It was a that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military.

Biden’s executive order, signed in 2021, had instructed the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to eliminate gender identity as a barrier to military service.

At the time, it overturned a ban on transgender service members imposed by Trump in 2017 during his first term.

“The United States must ensure that all transgender individuals who wish to serve and meet the appropriate standards can do so openly and without discrimination,” Biden’s order declared.

In one of his first actions as president, Trump rescinded the policy, signaling a potential shift in military inclusivity.

While no immediate changes were announced for transgender troops currently serving, advocates worry about what may come next.

Adele Scheiber, communications director for the Modern Military Association of America, shared concerns in a video statement on Tuesday.

She confirmed that Trump had not yet introduced a new ban but warned the repeal laid the groundwork for future restrictions.

“This paves the way for a new ban on military service, but as of today, nothing has changed,” Scheiber assured, acknowledging the uncertain road ahead.

During a December speech at the Turning Point Action Conference, Trump had pledged to sign an executive order to “get transgender out of the military.”

This statement foreshadowed Monday’s repeal, reigniting debates over the rights of transgender individuals in the armed forces.

According to estimates by the Associated Press, between 9,000 and 14,000 transgender individuals currently serve in the military,

Contributing to the nation’s defense in various roles.

The repeal of Biden’s policy has sparked widespread concern among advocates and service members, highlighting the deep divisions on this issue.

For those impacted, the uncertainty surrounding their future in the military casts a shadow over their dedication and service.