President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Monday, aiming to bring back thousands of U.S. troops discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. A White House official confirmed this plan to The Post.
Trump is honoring a 2024 campaign promise by reinstating over 8,000 U.S. military personnel. These troops will return to their previous ranks, receive back pay, and full benefits.
Reinstatement of Discharged Service Members
This executive order will affect active-duty and reserve service members discharged between 2021 and 2023. These individuals were removed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine mandated by the Biden administration.
So far, only 43 of the 8,000 dismissed service members have rejoined their branches. This happened after the Biden administration rescinded the vaccine mandate, according to the White House.
Defense Secretary Hegseth Affirms Support for Reinstatement
During his confirmation hearings earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed his support for Trump’s promise. He emphasized that discharged service members will first receive an apology, then back pay, and rank restoration.
“Today, additional executive orders are being issued, which we fully support,” Hegseth told reporters outside the Pentagon on Monday. “These orders include eliminating DEI initiatives within the Pentagon and reinstating service members removed due to COVID mandates.”
Additional Orders to Eliminate DEI Initiatives
Hegseth added that the process is moving swiftly. “As Secretary of Defense, it’s an honor to carry out these directives with precision and ensure full compliance,” he said.
He also shared on social media that the order concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) will be enforced without “exceptions, rebranding, or delays.”
About The Author
