Joe Biden Overturns Trump's Ban On Transgender Troops From US Military Service

On just his 5th day to the office, US President Joe Biden has already made one of the most revolutionary decisions for the country. He has overturned his successor Donald Trump's ban on transgender personnel from serving in the military. 

Biden's new policy was set in an executive order signed at the White House on Monday. According to the policy, "all Americans" who are qualified to serve in the military should be able to do so.

"Transgender service members will no longer be subject to the possibility of discharge or separation based on gender identity," the statement released by the White House read. 

It further stated that the military thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the rigorous standards for military service. Biden's new policy aims to strengthen national security through inclusiveness in the military.

Biden directed US Defense Secretary Lyold Auction to implement the new policy. The Pentagon has been directed to revert within 60 days on the progress of lifting the ban.

A brief history of this event 

This bold action by the new US President undoes Trump's controversial decision that came into effect in July 2017. Trump's policy required transgender personnel to serve based on their sex at birth.

However, back in 2016, the Pentagon under former US President Barack Obama repealed a longstanding policy that had prohibited transgender troops from serving openly. This decision that was taken under Obama's administration also allowed for transgenders to receive counselling and medical treatment, including surgery.