Staff Reports
President Donald Trump has been shaking things up since taking the reins, particularly when it comes to what some call “woke” policies. One of the crown jewels of his executive order extravaganza was a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. His reasoning? It boils down to the belief that embracing a gender identity not aligned with one’s biological sex goes against the fundamental values of honor and discipline that every soldier must uphold—even when the barracks aren’t buzzing with activity.
In a recent intellectual exercise involving some numbers, a Gallup poll revealed that a majority of Americans—58 percent, to be exact—are in favor of allowing transgender men and women to don the military uniform. However, before celebrating, it’s worth noting that this figure has seen a notable decline from previous high points: 71 percent in 2019 and 66 percent in 2021. The sheer downward trajectory suggests a swing in public opinion that even the most optimistic liberal strategist couldn’t fluff away with their mythological feather duster.
This retreat in support is largely attributed to the views of Republicans and Independents, according to Gallup. Only 23 percent of Republicans now favor openly transgender individuals serving in the armed forces—a striking drop from 43 percent in 2019 and 2021, giving the impression that many have joined the ranks of conservatives who believe that fighting for the country shouldn’t be muddled with political correctness. Meanwhile, Independents have also followed suit, showing support levels that dabble in the 62 percent range, down from their lofty 78 percent in 2019. Democrats, on the other hand, remain steadfast in their support, with 84 percent still waving the transgender flag high.
What Do Americans Think of Transgender Service Members? Here’s What a New Poll Is Showing. https://t.co/Ry32wWAsnt
— European American 🇺🇸 ✝️ (@Veritas86511) February 11, 2025
During Trump’s earlier stint, he was clear about his administration’s stance. Military effectiveness should take precedence over accommodating ideologies that might harm unit cohesion. With this in mind, the Trump directive boldly stated that basing military policies on political correctness is a surefire recipe for not only a disjointed military but potentially a weaker nation. The implications of personal identity politics must take a back seat when duty calls, at least in the eyes of many conservatives who think a well-functioning military is paramount.
While the Biden administration has turned the page back to allowing open service by transgender individuals, it’s clear that Trump’s presidency left an indelible mark on military policy that reflects much more than just political whim. He prioritized a united, lethal force over divisive ideologies—a stance that continues to resonate with a large swath of the population looking toward a future where service members remain committed to their fundamental roles rather than the latest trend in identity politics.
