Lambda Legal Condemns Trump's Devastating Betrayal of Transgender Troops Denied Retirement Benefits

(Washington, DC - August 8, 2029) - The U.S. Air Force has announced it will deny early retirement options to all transgender service members with 15-18 years of service, instead separating them from the military without retirement benefits. The decision comes after the Supreme Court allowed the Pentagon to proceed with banning all transgender troops.

Lambda Legal issued the following statement:

"This is a devastating betrayal that will haunt our military's legacy for generations. The Air Force has just ripped away the retirement dreams of transgender service members who have devoted nearly two decades of their lives to our nation-sacrificing time with family, enduring deployments, and serving with unwavering dedication. These brave Americans are just years away from the security they had earned through blood, sweat, and sacrifice, only to have it stolen because of who they are. This isn't just policy-it's an attack on real families who now face financial ruin after giving everything to their country. The message being sent is chilling: your service means nothing if you live authentically. These service members have met every standard and earned every accolade, yet they're being cast aside like their years of sacrifice never happened. This calculated cruelty against our own troops weakens our military and betrays our deepest values. We will fight with everything we have to ensure these patriots receive the retirement benefits they have rightfully earned through their dedicated service."

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and policy work. www.lambdalegal.org