The military shouldn't be used for social experiments. My guess is that the top generals and other policy makers experienced in this realm have weighed in and that this new policy reflects their broad consensus. Having a son in the military who did three "tours" of duty to Iraq, I know first hand how frustrating and maddening it was for rank and file soldiers to have politicians lacking military experience make military policy (e.g over-reaching rules of engagement, premature withdrawal from Iraq.)

I personally have empathy for trans people and in fact acknowledge their courage in trying to live the life that they want to live. However, I believe that the military is different from pretty much every other institution in our society and that priorities must be on mission readiness and cohesion. I'll bet the folks that recommended this to DJT were thinking that when they made their recommendations.