Appeals court rules Hegseth illegally banned active transgender troops, but can bar new recruits

In a split decision, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration's policy to expel active transgender service members is unconstitutional, but upheld the ban on new transgender recruits joining the military. This outcome is a mixed victory for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has been fighting this legal battle since implementing the policy last year. The ruling highlights the ongoing contentious debate over transgender rights and military service, emphasizing the need for clear, consistent policy guidelines to navigate these complex social and legal issues.