A group of seventeen transgender members from the U.S. Air Force and Space Force has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, claiming that their approved retirement orders were unlawfully revoked, thereby violating federal law. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., is supported by legal representatives from GLAD Law, the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, and other legal firms.
The 19-page complaint details how each plaintiff, who has served between 15 to 18 years in active duty, was unjustly stripped of retirement benefits that they had rightfully earned after years of exemplary service. The Air Force had previously granted retirement orders to these service members in June 2025 based on the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA), which allows for early retirement under specific conditions for those with sufficient service time.
The plaintiffs, including Master Sgt. Logan Ireland, Lt. Col. Ashley Davis, and Technical Sgt. Alyxandra Anguiano, argue that the revocation of their retirement orders in August was directly linked to the implementation of a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The lawsuit indicates that the Air Force’s rules only permit retirement order cancellations in a limited number of special situations, none of which applied to their cases.
The legal action highlights a troubling sequence of events, starting with Executive Order 14183 issued by President Trump, which aimed to exclude transgender personnel from military service. Following this order, the Pentagon issued new guidelines for all military branches to comply. Despite an initial approval of retirement for the plaintiffs, the Air Force reversed its decisions shortly after leadership changes, leaving the service members in a precarious position without set retirement dates.
Ireland described the emotional and logistical turmoil the situation has caused him and his fellow plaintiffs. He expressed hope that the lawsuit would reaffirm the dignity of transgender service members and compel the military leadership to honor their sacrifices. He pointed out the personal challenges faced because of the revoked retirement orders, stressing that his gender identity should not influence his benefits after years of service.
The lawsuit seeks not only the reinstatement of the plaintiffs’ retirement orders but also restoration of associated benefits and corrections to military records that accurately reflect their rightful retirement status. Anguiano emphasized the broader implications of their fight, asserting that the administration’s actions pose threats to all who have served.
As similar legal challenges against the transgender military ban continue across various venues, this case underscores the ongoing debate and struggle for equality and recognition within the military ranks. Ireland hopes that by shedding light on their situation, the military can recognize the contributions of all its members, regardless of their gender identity, and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.