While the administration argues that transgender service is "incompatible" with the military's mission, citing concerns over "cohesion" and "dishonesty," many argue that this harms military readiness.
Transgender troops and their supporters highlight that many affected have served for years, with some having deployed to combat zones.
Transgender service members and human rights groups have filed lawsuits, challenging the ban and arguing that forcing them to serve under their sex assigned at birth is discriminatory.
Some service members, including Air Force Master Sergeant Logan Ireland, described being forced to wear uniforms that do not match their identity as a "betrayal" and a "costume-like effect".