Story perspectives

Appeals Court Calls Hegseth Trans Policy Animus-Driven, Upholds Injunction

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal appeals court said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s policy disqualifying those with gender dysphoria was driven by animus.
Judge Robert Wilkins called the rule rooted in a “desire to harm”.
The court upheld an injunction protecting six transgender service members while allowing the policy for recruits.
Plaintiffs’ counsel Shannon Minter warned the animus finding, issued on Pride Month’s first day, may impede the administration’s emergency Supreme Court request.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 President Bill Clinton instituted “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a policy that led to the discharge of 9,488 service members before its 2010 repeal and final termination on September 20 2011. The Fifth Circuit, with Judge Robert Wilkins, now finds Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s transgender-dysphoria ban rooted in animus, echoing the constitutional challenges that ended DADT.

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Story summary

A federal appeals court said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s policy disqualifying those with gender dysphoria was driven by animus.
Judge Robert Wilkins called the rule rooted in a “desire to harm”.
The court upheld an injunction protecting six transgender service members while allowing the policy for recruits.
Plaintiffs’ counsel Shannon Minter warned the animus finding, issued on Pride Month’s first day, may impede the administration’s emergency Supreme Court request.

1 / 2