President Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Monday to bring back thousands of U.S. troops who were discharged for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19, a White House official told The Post.
Donald Trump is gearing up to fulfill a 2024 campaign pledge by reinstating over 8,000 U.S. military personnel, returning them to their former ranks while ensuring they receive pay back and full benefits.
This directive will apply to active-duty and reserve service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine mandated by the Biden administration between 2021 and 2023.
Only 43 of 8,000 service members who were dismissed have rejoined their branches after the Biden administration rescinded the vaccine mandate, according to the White House.
During his confirmation hearings earlier this month, Defense Secretary Hegseth echoed this commitment, affirming his support for the president’s promise that every discharged service member “ First we will apologize to them, then they will receive back pay and restoration of their rank.”
“Today, additional executive orders are being issued, which we fully support,” Defense Secretary said to reporters outside the Pentagon on Monday morning. “These include eliminating DEI initiatives within the Pentagon, reinstating service members removed due to COVID mandates, and implementing the ‘Iron Dome of America.’”
Then he added: “This process is moving quickly, and as secretary of defense, it’s an honor to carry out these directives with precision and ensure full compliance,”
Hegseth also shared on social media X that the order regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) will be enforced without “exceptions, rebranding, or delays.”
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