President Donald Trump is planning to reinstate thousands of military service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, according to sources close to the White House.
This executive action, expected to be signed this week, aims to return approximately 8,000 troops to their former ranks, along with back pay and benefits.
A Return to Service After Biden’s Mandate Fallout
Under the Biden administration, troops who refused to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate faced discharge from the military.
Many of these service members received general or other-than-honorable discharges, which severely impacted their eligibility for veterans benefits.
Now, President Trump is stepping in to undo that decision and restore their positions.
According to a White House fact sheet on the upcoming executive order, it will direct the Secretary of Defense to reinstate all active and reserve military members who were discharged solely due to their refusal to take the vaccine—provided they request reinstatement.
Trump’s Commitment to Making Good on His Campaign Promise
Trump has made good on another campaign promise within just one week of reclaiming the White House.
During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, his newly confirmed Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, made it clear that those who were dismissed for refusing the vaccine would be welcomed back into the fold.
“In President Trump’s Defense Department, they will be apologized to, they will be reinstituted with pay and rank,” Hegseth said, reassuring the service members affected by the mandate.
The Numbers Behind the Discharge Decisions
Between 2021 and 2023, more than 8,000 service members were discharged under President Biden’s vaccine mandate.
As of October 2023, nearly a year after the mandate was officially lifted, only 43 of those discharged troops had sought to rejoin the military under Biden’s administration.
This shows the lasting effects of the policy and the significant decision that Trump’s forthcoming executive order will address.
While Trump’s directive to the Department of Defense (DoD) won’t take immediate effect, it will require the Pentagon’s action to reinstate the service members.
For now, the executive order is simply a call to action.
Reactions to the COVID Vaccine Mandate in the Military
The compulsory COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees, including military personnel, was implemented early in Biden’s presidency after the vaccine was approved under emergency order.
Those who refused the vaccine, without medical or religious exemptions, were left with the ultimatum of either taking the shot or losing their jobs.
This mandate sparked outrage, particularly among Republicans, who argued that the vaccine was still in its experimental stages and not fully FDA approved at the time.
Trump’s upcoming executive order, first reported by Fox News, will address these concerns by reversing the discharges and providing financial compensation to those affected.
Trump’s Inaugural Actions and Promises
In his inauguration address on January 20, Trump pledged to reinstate these service members, affirming that they would receive back pay and their previous ranks.
His administration has been busy in its first week, quickly rolling out a series of executive orders to launch his second term with a sense of urgency.
By Monday afternoon, just a week into his presidency, Trump is expected to have signed a flurry of actions, setting the tone for his tenure ahead.
This latest move signals that Trump remains committed to fulfilling the promises made during his campaign, especially regarding the military and veterans’ issues.
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