President Trump is expected to sign an executive order reinstating service members dismissed from the military for failing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
They will be reinstated with full back pay and benefits as part of this action.
The big picture: This decision aligns with a Trump campaign promise and a previewed announcement during his inaugural address.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also committed to reinstate dismissed military members affected by the COVID-19 shot refusal, affirming that they will receive apologies, reinstatement, and restoration of pay and rank.
The backstory: Between August 2021 and January 2023, over 8,000 military members were discharged over COVID-19 shot refusal during the Biden administration under former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, citing limited exceptions for medical or religious reasons.
- Despite the dismissals accounting for less than 1% of total military strength, they sparked criticism from Republicans who accused the Biden administration of impacting military readiness and religious freedom.
- Following the mandate’s rescission in 2023, only 43 dismissed soldiers reapplied for service, indicating a reluctance within the affected group to return to military duty.