President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reinstate service members who were discharged from the military for refusing to get COVID-19 vaccine jabs.
The order directs the Secretary of Defense to reinstate all members of the military (active and reserve) who were discharged for refusing the COVID vaccine and who request to be reinstated.
The service members who are reinstated will be restored to their prior rank, and will be provided back pay and benefits.
From 2021 to 2023, the Biden Administration and former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discharged over 8,000 troops solely due to their COVID-19 vaccination status. After the vaccine mandate was repealed in 2023, only 43 of the more than the 8,000 troops dismissed elected to return to service under the Biden Administration and Secretary Austin.
During his inauguration speech, Trump pledged to make the move.
"This week I will reinstate any service members who were unjustly expelled from our military for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate, with full back pay," the president declared during remarks on Jan. 20.
During a campaign speech last year, Trump promised to rehire service members who were dismissed over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, saying they would get back pay plus an apology from the government.
The newly inaugurated president has been signing a bevy of orders since taking office last week.
6 Comments
Marishka
This is a dangerous precedent that could lead to further politicization of the military. We need our troops to be focused on their mission, not on political agendas.
Pupsik
This is a testament to the power of the American spirit. We will not be silenced, and we will not be bullied!
Marishka
This is a disgrace. This is not how we treat our veterans.
Pupsik
This is a betrayal of the trust placed in our military leaders. They made the best decision they could with the information available at the time.
Marishka
This is a political stunt, nothing more. Trump is trying to distract from his own failures by attacking the military.
Eugene Alta
This is a victory for the American people! We need leaders who are willing to fight for our freedoms, even when it's not popular.