The Pentagon announced that the first transgender person will be signing a contract to enlist into the military. A judge ruled that he will be allowing transgender people to enlist in the military after Donald Trump tweeted that he has a desire to prevent all transgender people to be able to join the military. The individual that has signed the contract has met all of the standards to be able to join the military, but has not yet begun any training. In July of 2017, President Trump surprised many military leaders by tweeting “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.”

Trump said that if transgender people started to join the military, it would distract that person because of all of the medical treatments, and that the person would need to put all of his/her effort and attention into victory. The Pentagon and the President have been discussing this issue, but the Pentagon says that they have to accept applications from those who are transgender.

Transgender people have been known for not being allowed to enlist into the military, though Obama determined a process for them to join. The Department of Defense confirms that, starting February 23, 2018, there is one transgender individual under contract for service in the Military.