{"id":15246,"date":"2026-07-24T02:24:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=15246"},"modified":"2026-07-24T02:24:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:24:24","slug":"judge-questions-pentagon-about-new-testosterone-policy-and-impact-on-transgender-soldier-ban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=15246","title":{"rendered":"Judge questions Pentagon about new testosterone policy and impact on transgender soldier ban"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" data-testid=\"prism-article-body\">\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC \">A federal judge is forcing the Trump administration to address how the Pentagon&#8217;s new <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.com\/Politics\/hegseth-directs-troops-30-testosterone-checked\/story?id=134793096\" dir=\"ltr\">testosterone screening program<\/a> and hormone replacement therapy could impact its justification for banning transgender servicemembers, questioning the basis for treating trans servicemembers and other soldiers differently when it comes to providing hormone treatment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In an order this week, Judge Ana Reyes asked lawyers in a lawsuit over the Pentagon&#8217;s <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.com\/US\/judge-calls-militarys-history-discrimination-blocking-trumps-transgender\/story?id=119945783\" dir=\"ltr\">transgender military ban<\/a> to provide additional information about the new screening and treatment policy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Reyes has been overseeing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration&#8217;s transgender soldier ban, where the Pentagon has argued costs and impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy hurts the combat readiness of transgender soldiers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"oLzSq QrHMO fnRUo pvsTF EhJPu vPlOC zNYgW OsTsW RMeqy daRVX ISNQ sKyCY eRftA acPPc MENS nFwaT MCnQE mEeeY SmBjI xegrY rPLsU iulOd NIuqO zzscu lzDCc aHUBM IEgzD OjMNy eQqcx SVqKB GQmdz jaoD VWDdR ONJdw vrZxD OnRTz gbbfF roDbV GPGwb oMlSS gfNzt oJhud eXZcf zhVlX \">\n<div>\n<div class=\"InlineImage GpQCA lZur asrEW \" data-testid=\"prism-inline-image\">\n<figure class=\"kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO \" data-testid=\"prism-figure\">\n<div class=\"GpQCA lZur gIjeL \" data-testid=\"prism-ratio-frame\">\n<div class=\"FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV \"><picture data-testid=\"prism-picture\"><source media=\"(max-width: 414px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/d3c302f7-4884-49ff-bdb7-8b54e8516431\/hegseth-gty-jef-260723_1784823318717_hpEmbed_3x2.jpg?w=375, https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/d3c302f7-4884-49ff-bdb7-8b54e8516431\/hegseth-gty-jef-260723_1784823318717_hpEmbed_3x2.jpg?w=750 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 415px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/d3c302f7-4884-49ff-bdb7-8b54e8516431\/hegseth-gty-jef-260723_1784823318717_hpEmbed_3x2.jpg?w=750, https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/d3c302f7-4884-49ff-bdb7-8b54e8516431\/hegseth-gty-jef-260723_1784823318717_hpEmbed_3x2.jpg?w=1500 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR SjwtZ hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/d3c302f7-4884-49ff-bdb7-8b54e8516431\/hegseth-gty-jef-260723_1784823318717_hpEmbed_3x2.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW aiQHS lZur \" data-testid=\"prism-caption\">\n<p><span class=\"hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz \" data-testid=\"prism-truncate\"><span><span class=\"gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ \">Secretary of War Pete Hegseth greets members of the U.S. National Guard after an event at Meridian Hill Park on July 02, 2026 in Washington, DC.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh \">Anna Moneymaker\/Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">As the judge considers the future of the case, she requested more information about the guidelines for screening <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.com\/GMA\/Wellness\/testosterone-after-defense-secretary-pete-hegseth-directs-screening\/story?id=134816289\" dir=\"ltr\">testosterone deficiency<\/a>, the similarities between masculinizing hormone therapy for trans men and testosterone replacement therapy prescribed for other service members with low testosterone, and the Pentagon&#8217;s basis for<!-- -->\u00a0<!-- -->&#8220;treating trans men and other service members differently.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) is a recognized medical condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone and may be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;The Court must assess the impact of this newly announced policy on the parties&#8217; positions,&#8221; Reyes wrote, citing Hegseth&#8217;s announcement about offering soldiers hormone replacement therapy.<!-- -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Hegseth addressed servicemembers in a video posted to X on July 15, saying the battlefield &#8220;requires and demands maximum psychological and mental readiness. And by addressing these health markers early, we&#8217;re keeping you on the leading edge of lethality and giving you the same level of support that you give this nation: the absolute best.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Reyes is presiding over one of the main lawsuits challenging the Pentagon&#8217;s transgender ban, which she ruled last year was unlawful. An appeals court upheld part of her order earlier this year, though the protections only applied to the plaintiffs in the case.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to carry out the ban while the lawsuits move through the courts. The D.C. Circuit handed the case back to Reyes earlier this year, and she recently certified a class in the lawsuit to potentially expand the protections beyond the plaintiffs.<!-- -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"oLzSq QrHMO fnRUo pvsTF EhJPu vPlOC zNYgW OsTsW RMeqy daRVX ISNQ sKyCY eRftA acPPc MENS nFwaT MCnQE mEeeY SmBjI xegrY rPLsU iulOd NIuqO zzscu lzDCc aHUBM IEgzD OjMNy eQqcx SVqKB GQmdz jaoD VWDdR ONJdw vrZxD OnRTz gbbfF roDbV GPGwb oMlSS gfNzt oJhud eXZcf zhVlX \">\n<div>\n<div class=\"InlineImage GpQCA lZur asrEW \" data-testid=\"prism-inline-image\">\n<figure class=\"kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO \" data-testid=\"prism-figure\">\n<div class=\"GpQCA lZur \" style=\"padding-bottom:66.55092592592592%\" data-testid=\"prism-ratio-frame\">\n<div class=\"FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV \"><picture data-testid=\"prism-picture\"><source media=\"(max-width: 414px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/c3976a64-fd00-41be-a986-839ad0b9ce55\/soldiers-gty-jef-260723_1784823347792_hpMain.jpg?w=375, https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/c3976a64-fd00-41be-a986-839ad0b9ce55\/soldiers-gty-jef-260723_1784823347792_hpMain.jpg?w=750 2x\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 415px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/c3976a64-fd00-41be-a986-839ad0b9ce55\/soldiers-gty-jef-260723_1784823347792_hpMain.jpg?w=750, https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/c3976a64-fd00-41be-a986-839ad0b9ce55\/soldiers-gty-jef-260723_1784823347792_hpMain.jpg?w=1500 2x\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR SjwtZ hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/c3976a64-fd00-41be-a986-839ad0b9ce55\/soldiers-gty-jef-260723_1784823347792_hpMain.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>\n<div class=\"nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW aiQHS lZur \" data-testid=\"prism-caption\">\n<p><span class=\"hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz \" data-testid=\"prism-truncate\"><span><span class=\"gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ \">Army soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 82nd Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division Artillery lookout atop a M109 A7 Paladin self propelled Howitzer during live fire training on April 29, 2026 in Fort Hood, Texas.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh \">Brandon Bell\/Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In her ruling last year blocking the policy, Reyes cast doubt on the Pentagon&#8217;s health and fitness justification for its transgender soldier ban, arguing the ban is &#8220;soaked in animus and dripping with pretext.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;Its language is unabashedly demeaning, its policy stigmatizes transgender persons as inherently unfit, and its conclusions bear no relation to fact,&#8221; she noted.<!-- -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Reyes also noted that the Pentagon&#8217;s concerns about the costs of hormone therapy and concerns about fitness would apply to cisgender soldiers as well, though it was only used as a basis to target transgender soldiers.<!-- -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">&#8220;If the health concern were genuine, the Policy would apply to all people who have received any kind of hormone therapy or genital reconstruction surgery. But it does not,&#8221; Reyes said last year.<!-- -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC eTIW sUzSN \">The Pentagon told ABC News it wouldn&#8217;t comment on pending litigation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A federal judge is forcing the Trump administration to address how the Pentagon&#8217;s new testosterone screening program and hormone replacement therapy could impact its justification for banning transgender servicemembers, questioning the basis for treating trans servicemembers and other soldiers differently when it comes to providing hormone treatment. In an order this week, Judge Ana Reyes&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15247,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/c3976a64-fd00-41be-a986-839ad0b9ce55\/soldiers-gty-jef-260723_1784823347792_hpMain_16x9.jpg?w=1600","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abc-news"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15246"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15246\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}