In a major policy reversal, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order reinstating thousands of service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. According to a White House fact sheet, the order directs the Secretary of Defense to restore these individuals to their prior ranks with full back pay and benefits.
Reversing the Biden-Era Military Vaccine Mandate
“The Executive 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 White House confirmed in an official statement.
The executive order seeks to undo one of the most controversial military policies of the Biden administration. Between 2021 and 2023, more than 8,000 troops were forcibly discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine under then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. However, after the vaccine mandate was repealed in 2023, only 43 of those dismissed troops chose to return to service under Biden’s Pentagon leadership.
By contrast, Trump’s new policy ensures that all eligible service members will be given the opportunity to return to duty with full reinstatement of their rank, pay, and benefits.
Trump Fulfills Inauguration Promise
Trump first pledged to reinstate these service members during his inauguration speech on January 20, emphasizing that their removal had been unjust.
“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,” President Trump declared.
This move fulfills a key promise from his 2024 campaign, where he vowed not only to restore the careers of those dismissed but also to issue a formal apology on behalf of the U.S. government.
A Turning Point for the Military
Trump’s executive order comes at a time when the military is struggling with recruitment challenges. Over the past few years, multiple branches of the armed forces have reported difficulty meeting enlistment goals. Many experts attribute this in part to vaccine-related discharges and broader concerns about politicization within the military.
By reinstating discharged personnel, Trump aims to address both the recruitment crisis and boost morale within the ranks. His administration argues that thousands of highly trained and experienced service members were unfairly removed due to a policy that was later revoked.
Supporters and Critics React
The decision has already sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters argue that reinstating service members is long overdue and rectifies an injustice. Many conservatives believe that the vaccine mandate was an overreach of government power, and Trump’s order is a necessary correction.
“This was never about health; it was about control,” said a senior administration official. “These troops were willing to serve their country, and they should have never been discharged in the first place.”
On the other hand, critics worry about the long-term impact of reversing vaccine-related military policies. Some Pentagon officials have expressed concerns that reinstating previously discharged personnel could create division within the ranks.
However, Trump’s team insists the move is about fairness and restoring trust between service members and their government.
What Comes Next?
With Trump now in his first full week back in office, this executive order signals a broader effort to reverse key Biden-era policies. The reinstatement of these service members could be the first of many similar actions aimed at undoing controversial mandates implemented by the previous administration.
Monday afternoon will mark the official end of Trump’s first full week in office since his historic return to the White House. As his administration moves forward, many will be watching to see what other executive actions he will take to reshape U.S. military policy and beyond.