A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to account for a stark contradiction in its military hormone policy: offering testosterone replacement therapy to older male soldiers while using the need for hormone treatment as grounds to exclude transgender service members.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled the testosterone initiative earlier this month, announcing that male troops aged 30 and above would be screened for hormone deficiencies. Those found to have below-normal levels can volunteer for testosterone replacement therapy, which Hegseth framed as a readiness measure. "By addressing these health markers early, we're keeping you on the leading edge of lethality," he said in a video promoting what he called the "High-T department of war."
The policy caught the attention of Judge Ana Reyes of the District of Columbia federal court, who is overseeing lawsuits challenging the administration's ban on transgender service members. Reyes issued an order Wednesday questioning how the Pentagon can justify promoting hormone treatment for cisgender soldiers while arguing that the same need for medical hormone treatment disqualifies transgender troops from service.
In the Trump executive order banning trans service members, the administration cited strict health standards, stating that "The Armed Forces must adhere to high mental and physical health standards... without the benefit of routine medical treatment or special provisions." Reyes asked the Pentagon to explain the "basis for treating trans men and other service members differently" under the new testosterone policy.
The judge set an August 7 hearing and required the Pentagon to answer questions about the cost and logistics of providing testosterone replacement therapy before that date.
Medical professionals have also raised concerns about the initiative. Doctors told Reuters they were troubled by the scope of the testosterone order, warning that unnecessary or improperly prescribed treatment could harm service members rather than improve readiness. They cited potential risks to fertility and other long-term health complications.
The Pentagon has previously resisted covering hormone-related treatment for transgender troops, citing cost concerns as part of its justification for the ban.
Author James Rodriguez: "The contradiction here is glaring, and the judge caught it immediately, which suggests the Pentagon may have real trouble explaining this one away."
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