Trump reinstates thousands of service members who were discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines

01/31/2025 / By Belle Carter

President Donald Trump issued an executive order to reinstate over 8,000 military personnel who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, with full back pay, benefits and restored rank.
The COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military personnel was implemented by the Biden administration in 2021, leading to the discharge of more than 8,000 service members who refused the vaccine. This policy was repealed in 2023, but only 43 of the discharged personnel returned to service under the Biden administration.
The vaccine mandate was a highly polarizing policy, with proponents arguing for operational readiness and health protection, and critics viewing it as an infringement on individual freedoms and a demoralizing action.
The reinstatement of discharged service members could affect military readiness and morale, addressing what Trump called the “unjust” treatment of vaccine-refusing troops, but potentially creating divisions within the ranks.
Trump’s actions also include bans on transgender individuals serving in the military and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the armed forces, signaling a return to more conservative military policies.

President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will reinstate more than 8,000 service members who were discharged from the military for refusing to take the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The executive order will also grant these individuals full back pay, benefits and restoration of their prior rank.

Former President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate, implemented in 2021 under then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, required all active-duty and reserve military personnel to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or face disciplinary action, including discharge. Over the next two years, more than 8,000 service members were dismissed for refusing the vaccine, a policy that drew sharp criticism from some lawmakers, veterans’ groups and civil liberties advocates. While the mandate was repealed in 2023, only 43 of the discharged personnel chose to return to service under the Biden administration, according to a White House fact sheet.

Trump’s executive order directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reinstate all service members who were discharged for vaccine refusal and who request to return to duty. (Related: Trump pledges to reinstate troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusal, offers back pay.)

“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 fact sheet stated. The move fulfills a campaign promise Trump made last year when he vowed to rehire dismissed troops and offer them back pay along with an apology from the government.

The COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military personnel was one of the most polarizing policies of the Biden administration. Proponents argued that it was necessary to maintain operational readiness and protect the health of service members, particularly given the close-quarters nature of military life.

“It is a lawful order,” former Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in 2021. “It is a valid military requirement to get the vaccine. And it does apply, as we’ve said before, to members of the National Guard.”

Critics, however, viewed the mandate as an overreach that infringed on individual freedoms and undermined military morale. Many of the discharged service members cited religious, medical or personal objections to the vaccine, while others expressed skepticism about the safety and efficacy of the mRNA-based shots, which were authorized under emergency use protocols. The policy also faced legal challenges, with some courts ruling in favor of service members who sued over their dismissals.

Trump’s decision to reverse the mandate reflects his broader stance on COVID-19 policies, which he has frequently criticized as excessive and authoritarian. During his inauguration speech, the president declared his intent to address what he called the Biden administration’s “unjust” treatment of vaccine-refusing troops.

“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,” Trump said.

For the thousands of service members who were discharged over the vaccine mandate, Trump’s executive order offers a chance to reclaim their careers and livelihoods. Many of these individuals faced significant challenges after leaving the military, including difficulty finding employment and accessing veterans’ benefits. The promise of back pay and restored rank could provide a measure of financial and professional relief, though some may choose not to return to service after their experiences.

The reinstatement also raises questions about the long-term impact on military readiness and morale. While some may view the move as a necessary correction to an overly punitive policy, others worry it could undermine trust in military leadership and create divisions within the ranks.

Broader military policy shifts

The said move is part of a broader series of executive actions Trump has taken since assuming office last week. In addition to addressing the vaccine mandate, the president is expected to sign orders banning transgender individuals from serving in the military and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs within the armed forces. These moves signal a return to the more conservative military policies of Trump’s first term, which were largely rolled back under the Biden administration.

The transgender military ban, first implemented in 2017, was reversed by Biden in 2021, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly. Similarly, DEI initiatives, which aim to promote inclusivity and address systemic inequities, have become a focal point of debate within the military and beyond. Critics argue that such programs distract from the military’s core mission, while supporters contend they are essential for fostering a diverse and effective fighting force.

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Watch the video below that talks about Hegseth rebuilding the military.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.