A federal judge ruled against the Trump administration on Monday, saying transgender men and women can join the U.S. military starting January 1.
The administration wanted a delay while it appealed earlier court rulings against the president's ban on transgender troops. But Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said the government failed to prove it would be harmed if transgender men and women started signing up starting New Year's Day. She said the Pentagon has had a year and a half to prepare.
Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter opened the door last year for transgender men and women to join the U.S. armed forces starting July 1. But President Trump tried to slam that door shut in an executive order, citing surgical costs and possible morale problems among non-transgender members. He also ordered current transgender military members to be discharged.
Two federal courts ruled against the president's order.
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman David Eastburn says the Pentagon has started preparations for transgender men and women, telling the Associated Press they must meet strict medical conditions. Doctors must certify a recruit has been free from certain medical complications that can come with changing one's gender.