President Donald Trump on Monday announced a series of sweeping military-focused executive orders, including plans to establish a US version of Israel’s advanced Iron Dome missile defence system and to consider ban on transgender troops. The announcement came as well-known television personality Pete Hegseth assumed his role as the new Pentagon chief.
Speaking at a Republican gathering, Trump also pledged to reinstate service members discharged over Covid-19 vaccine refusals and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEO) programs within the military.
“We will build an Iron Dome for America — a system to protect our homeland from missile and drone threats,” Trump said. “This is a top priority for ensuring our national defence.”
Defence secretary Pete Hegseth, on his first day in office, confirmed the plans, describing the initiative as a critical step in modernising United States missile defence capabilities.
Troops reinstatement and vaccine controversy
Trump’s orders include the reinstatement of service members discharged for refusing Covid-19 vaccinations. He assured they would return to their former ranks with full back pay. “We will offer full reinstatement to any service member who was expelled from the armed forces due to the Covid vaccine mandate,” he said.
While the Pentagon formally ended the vaccine mandate in January 2023, the order could have financial implications if large numbers of discharged troops re-enlist. To date, fewer than 150 of the 8,200 discharged service members have sought to return, citing new careers or reluctance to re-join.
Returning personnel would still need to meet military entry standards, including physical fitness, medical requirements, and background checks. Officers would also need to undergo a recommissioning process.
Transgender policies and DEI rollbacks
Trump also directed the Pentagon to reassess policies on transgender troops, emphasising military readiness. The order does not immediately ban transgender service members but mandates the development of new guidelines.
In addition, Trump doubled down on his campaign promise to eliminate DEI initiatives across federal agencies and the military. Hegseth emphasised a focus on readiness, saying, “Military training will prioritise what our troops in the field need to deter our enemies.”
The removal of DEI programs has already caused confusion within the armed forces.
Last week, videos honouring the historic contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) were temporarily removed during a review of DEI training materials.
The air force later clarified that these materials would remain part of its curriculum, highlighting their decorated service in World War II.
Border security and expanding defence
Hegseth outlined additional priorities, including using active duty, national guard, and state-activated guard troops to address border security.
He also reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to the Iron Dome project, which aims to provide the US with a domestic missile defense system akin to Israel’s.
“We are moving quickly to ensure the safety and security of the American people,” Hegseth said, as he entered the Pentagon on Monday morning.
Hegseth, confirmed in a tie-breaking Senate vote by vice president JD Vance, is expected to oversee the rapid rollout of these initiatives in the coming weeks.
