Trump to reinstate military dismissed for not taking COVID-19 shot

Service members who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine and were dismissed from the military will be reinstated by Trump.

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.
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