Trump Makes Big Move to Change The Military, Improve Morale

President Donald Trump plans to reverse the dismissal of thousands of men and women who were forced out of the military for declining COVID-19 vaccines and give them back pay and the chance to regain their old positions.

Key Facts:

  • The executive order will allow all affected service members (active and reserve) to request reinstatement.
  • Those who return will be restored to their previous rank and receive back pay plus benefits.
  • Between 2021 and 2023, the Biden administration and former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discharged over 8,000 troops who refused the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Once the federal mandate ended in 2023, only 43 of those dismissed chose to return under the Biden administration.
  • Trump first promised to restore discharged troops during his 2025 inauguration speech.

The Rest of The Story:

The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address what it sees as unfair treatment of service members who questioned the COVID-19 vaccine.

Officials say these men and women were dismissed simply for choosing not to follow a mandate that no longer exists, creating an uneven standard.

Supporters of Trump’s decision argue it corrects a wrong that cost the U.S. military thousands of trained personnel.

They maintain that no soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine should lose their career over concerns about a mandate that no longer exists.

This group also says compensation in the form of back pay will help veterans recover financially from months or years of lost income.

Critics, however, question the costs of reintegration, including training, medical evaluations, and logistical details.

They warn that returning previously discharged troops to service may cause friction within units.

The White House contends that the move reflects the administration’s view of fairness and its desire to retain experienced professionals in uniform.

Commentary:

We stand firmly behind President Trump’s decision to bring these service members back.

They never should have been discharged for refusing what we view as a bogus vaccine requirement in the first place.

In our opinion, reversing that policy and making these individuals whole is only fair.

Restoring their ranks and providing back pay is a just move toward correcting what many believe was an overreach in federal health mandates.

The Bottom Line:

This decision to bring back troops who refused the vaccine signals a shift away from earlier federal health policies.

It also shows the administration’s emphasis on protecting individual choice while restoring military readiness.

Many see it as a sign that national defense remains a priority, even as health mandates evolve.

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