National Briefs
Trump Reinstates Transgender Military Ban
President Trump signed Executive Order 14183 on January 27, 2025, reinstating a ban on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. military.
The order, titled "Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness," states that identifying as a gender different from one's sex assigned at birth "conflicts with a soldier's commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle." The Department of Defense later issued implementing guidance designating transgender people as presumptively disqualified from service based on a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Multiple federal lawsuits were filed challenging the policy under the Fifth Amendment's equal protection guarantees. Several district courts initially blocked enforcement, but the U.S. Supreme Court later allowed the ban to take effect while appeals continue.
Written with information provided by the Federal Register; the U.S. Department of Defense; the U.S. Supreme Court; and the Associated Press.
Transgender Service Members Honored at Forced Retirement Ceremony
Five transgender service members were honored during a retirement ceremony held January 8, 2026, in Washington, D.C., marking the end of their military careers following the reinstated transgender service ban.
The event was hosted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and presided over by retired four-star Gen. Stanley McChrystal. Those honored included Space Force Colonel Bree Fram, Lt. Col. Erin Krizek, Cmdr. Blake Dremann, Sgt. 1st Class Cathrine Schmid, and Chief Petty Officer Jaida McGuire.
Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware and Representative Mark Takano of California delivered remarks. McBride described the forced retirements as "immoral, unfair, and un-American." Fram told attendees that those retiring were not leaving because they failed in their duties, but because "what we represented could not be hidden away."
Written with information provided by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation; official statements from members of Congress; and the Associated Press.
Former Space Force Colonel Bree Fram Launches Congressional Campaign
Retired Space Force Colonel Bree Fram announced her candidacy for Congress on January 20, 2026, launching a Democratic campaign in Northern Virginia and raising more than $100,000 in her first 24 hours, according to her campaign.
Fram served 23 years in the U.S. military, including deployments to Iraq and Qatar, and became the first openly transgender officer promoted to colonel in January 2024. She was forced into retirement following the reinstatement of the transgender military ban.
Fram is running in Northern Virginia's 11th Congressional District, though final district boundaries remain subject to ongoing redistricting. If elected, she would become the second openly transgender member of Congress, joining Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware.
Written with information provided by Bree Fram for Congress; Federal Election Commission filings; the U.S. Space Force; and the Associated Press.
Rep. Sarah McBride Misgendered During House Proceedings
Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first openly transgender member of Congress, was misgendered during U.S. House floor proceedings on January 14, 2026, when Representative Andrew Clyde of Georgia referred to her as "the gentleman from Delaware" while serving as speaker pro tempore.
McBride did not respond to the remark and proceeded with her prepared floor speech honoring women leaders in Delaware, including members of the state's National Guard. A spokesperson later said McBride did not hear the comment and remains focused on lowering costs for her constituents.
The exchange is documented in the Congressional Record and House floor video.
Written with information provided by the Congressional Record; C-SPAN; and the Associated Press.
McBride Joins Bipartisan Delegation to Denmark and Greenland
Copenhagen and Nuuk — January 17—20, 2026
Representative Sarah McBride joined a bipartisan congressional delegation traveling to Denmark and Greenland from January 17 to January 20, 2026, amid renewed tensions following President Trump's public statements about acquiring Greenland.
The delegation met with Danish officials in Copenhagen and Greenlandic leaders in Nuuk to reaffirm diplomatic ties. Speaking afterward, McBride said leaders in Greenland privately expressed a desire to remain part of Denmark rather than become a U.S. territory.
The delegation included members of both parties from the House and Senate.
Written with information provided by congressional press offices and the Associated Press.
Anti-Transgender Riders Removed From Federal Funding Bills
Congressional negotiators removed anti-transgender provisions from multiple federal appropriations bills in late January 2026, preventing policy riders that would have restricted rights or services for transgender Americans.
The proposed provisions had appeared in draft funding bills for the Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and other agencies. Lawmakers involved in the negotiations said the language was stripped before the bills advanced.
Appropriations leaders emphasized that major policy changes should be debated through standalone legislation rather than attached to must-pass funding measures.
Written with information provided by Congress.gov; the House and Senate Appropriations Committees; and the Associated Press.