00:02A federal appeals court has dealt a new blow to the Trump administration's transgender military policy,
00:08ruling that the ban is likely unconstitutional.
00:11In a two-to-one decision, a panel of judges on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
00:16said the policy appears to target service members based on their gender identity
00:21and may violate constitutional equal protection guarantees.
00:25The case was brought by more than a dozen transgender service members
00:29and military applicants who challenged a policy put in place after President Trump returned to office.
00:35The court left in place protections for the active-duty plaintiffs who sued,
00:40meaning they cannot be removed from the military while the case continues.
00:44But the ruling does not open the door to new transgender recruits,
00:48and the broader policy remains in effect for now.
00:51Writing for the majority, Judge Robert Wilkins said,
00:54the government's explanation for the policy appeared to be a pretext
00:57and that the record showed evidence of animus toward transgender people.
01:02The Trump administration has argued the restrictions are necessary for military readiness and unit cohesion.
01:08Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaling the fight is far from over,
01:12posting just four words after the decision.
01:14See you at SCOTUS.
01:16He has repeatedly told military gatherings,
01:18The Supreme Court already allowed the military to enforce the policy while the legal challenges play out.
01:26Monday's decision sets up another likely showdown before the high court.
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