The 38-year-old transgender Air Force member had already jumped through bureaucratic hoops to be able to serve during Trump’s first term. Ireland is now one of 17 transgender Air Force and Space Force members suing the United States government over what they say is an “unlawful” revocation of their early retirement benefits and pensions. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementBut none of these circumstances apply to any of the service members in the case. There are about 4,200 service members who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria as of last December, a senior defense official toldThe Washington Post. Advocates warn that if the court allows the government to revoke retirement benefits for the plaintiffs, it could set a dangerous precedent for how the Trump administration might get away with denying benefits to other populations.

Source: Huffington Post November 18, 2025 20:11 UTC