Trump Military Policies: Potential Changes and Their Impact

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, many are wondering how his administration will shape military policies. Trump’s approach to defense and veterans’ affairs is likely to bring significant changes, reversing some Biden administration policies while reinstating others from his first term. Let’s explore what Trump military policies could mean for service members, veterans, and the broader landscape of national security.

Trump’s First Term

During his first term, Trump focused on expanding healthcare options for veterans and increasing accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The community care program, which allows veterans to seek medical care from private sector doctors, saw significant expansion. This initiative aimed to provide veterans with more choices and potentially better healthcare outcomes.

However, critics argue this approach risks outsourcing the VA’s core responsibilities. They contend that specialized VA doctors are better equipped to recognize and treat conditions like PTSD and burn pit-related illnesses compared to community physicians. Despite these concerns, the program has gained traction. In 2023, 40 percent of all VA medical appointments were conducted through community care.

Trump’s commitment to accountability led to legislation making it easier to fire underperforming VA employees. While these laws faced challenges from unions and in court, they reflect his administration’s stance on improving efficiency within the department.

Change’s Unfolding for the Military in Trump’s 2nd Term

A key area where Trump may seek changes is in policies related to reproductive health and LGBTQ+ service members.

Reproductive Health

In 2022, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin implemented a policy providing paid leave and travel cost reimbursement for troops seeking out-of-state abortions. This move came in response to the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, which Austin argued could harm readiness, recruiting, and retention. It’s worth noting that despite the heated debate surrounding this policy, its usage has been limited. The Pentagon reported only 12 instances of troops using this benefit between June and December 2023, at a total cost of about $45,000.

Trump’s stance on abortion has evolved. In October, he stated he would veto a federal abortion ban, favoring state-level decision-making. However, his historical anti-abortion positions suggest he may not continue the current administration’s policies on reproductive health services for military personnel.

Transgender Service Members

Another area likely to see changes is the policy on transgender service members. Trump previously banned transgender individuals from enlisting, though he did not remove those already serving. This ban was lifted under Biden in 2021, but Trump has consistently opposed open transgender service throughout his reelection campaign.

The financial impact of transgender-related healthcare in the military has been a point of contention. From 2016 to 2021, the Pentagon spent $15 million on treatments for transgender troops: $11.5 million for psychotherapy and $3.1 million for surgeries. While this represents a fraction of the military’s overall healthcare spending, it remains a politically charged issue. Estimates of transgender service members vary. The military has cited a 2016 survey indicating just under 9,000 transgender individuals in uniform, while a research institute estimated the number at nearly 15,000. Either way, these service members represent a small but significant portion of the approximately two million people in uniform.

NATO and Trump’s Policies

Trump military policies are likely to extend beyond social issues to core defense matters. During his first term, he was critical of NATO allies for not meeting agreed-upon defense spending targets. Since then, more NATO countries have made progress towards the goal of spending 2% of GDP on defense, a target set in 2014. Trump’s pressure on allies to increase their contributions to collective defense is likely to continue in a second term.

Table Of Contents:

• Trump’s First Term
• Change’s Unfolding for the Military in Trump’s 2nd Term
  • Transgender Service Members
• Military Pay and Benefits
• Immigration and Border Security
• Climate Change and Military Operations
• Recruitment and Retention
• Conclusion

Military Pay and Benefits

One area where there may be bipartisan agreement is improving military pay and quality of life. The House Armed Services Committee has recommended several changes, including a 15 percent pay raise for junior enlisted troops, which were included in the House version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. These proposals aim to address issues like food insecurity among military families, insufficient housing allowances, and the need for better childcare options. While the Biden administration initially opposed some of these measures, citing the need for further study, there’s growing recognition across party lines that supporting service members and their families is crucial for maintaining a strong, all-volunteer force.

Immigration and Border Security

Trump’s approach to immigration and border security is likely to have implications for the military as well. A spokesperson for Trump told Fox News that he plans to launch deportation operations on his first day in office. This could potentially involve the use of military resources or personnel in supporting roles, as seen during his first term when troops were deployed to the southern border.

Climate Change and Military Operations

Another area where Trump military policies may diverge significantly from the current administration is in addressing climate change as it relates to national security. The Biden administration has emphasized preparing the military for climate-related challenges and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Trump, however, withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement during his first term and has generally been skeptical of climate change initiatives. This shift could impact everything from how the military plans for future conflicts and humanitarian missions to its investment in alternative energy technologies for bases and equipment.

Recruitment and Retention

Regardless of policy changes, the military faces ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention. As Katie Helland, Director of Military Accession Policy, stated recently, “We need to remain cautiously optimistic about the future recruiting operations as we continue to recruit in a market that has low youth propensity to serve, limited familiarity with military opportunities, a competitive labor market and a declining eligibility among young adults.” Trump military policies will need to address these fundamental issues to ensure the long-term strength and readiness of the armed forces.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to a second Trump term, it’s clear that significant changes to military policies are on the horizon. From healthcare for veterans to the status of transgender service members, from NATO contributions to border security, Trump’s approach is likely to reshape many aspects of military life and operations. While some changes may be controversial, others, like improving pay and benefits for service members, could see bipartisan support. As these Trump military policies unfold, their impact will be felt not just within the armed forces, but across the broader landscape of American national security and international relations.