Trump pledges to reinstate troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusal, offers back pay
By isabelle // 2025-01-27
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  • President Trump announces the reinstatement of thousands of military personnel discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, calling the policy "unjust."
  • Discharged troops will receive full back pay and reinstatement, reversing the Biden administration’s controversial 2021 vaccine mandate.
  • Trump criticizes the mandate as a "radical political experiment" and pledges to end "medical experiments" on service members.
  • The Biden administration’s mandate faced legal challenges and criticism for mishandling religious and medical exemption requests.
  • Conservative lawmakers and Trump’s defense secretary nominee praise the move as restoring fairness and refocusing the military on national defense.
President Donald Trump has announced that he will reinstate thousands of military personnel discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in a bold move to rectify what he called an “unjust” policy. Speaking moments after his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Trump vowed to bring back these service members with full back pay and to end what he described as “radical political theories and social experiments” imposed on the armed forces. The decision marks a sharp reversal from the Biden administration’s controversial vaccine mandate, which led to the dismissal of over 8,000 troops and sparked widespread criticism. Under President Joe Biden’s directive, the Pentagon implemented a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in 2021, requiring all service members to receive the shot or face discharge. While the mandate allowed for religious and medical exemptions, thousands of requests were denied, leading to the expulsion of more than 8,000 troops. Critics argued that the policy undermined military readiness and violated individual freedoms. Trump’s announcement drew immediate applause from supporters, who viewed the mandate as an overreach of government power. “Our armed forces will be freed to focus on their sole mission: defeating America’s enemies,” Trump declared. His pledge to reinstate discharged troops with back pay and restore their ranks underscores his commitment to rebuilding the military and addressing what he called the “unfair treatment” of service members.

A promise to end medical experiments

In addition to reinstating discharged troops, Trump promised to halt what he termed “medical experiments” on military personnel, reflecting broader concerns about the politicization of the military and the use of service members as test subjects for controversial policies. Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, echoed these sentiments during recent Senate hearings, stating that the Pentagon would apologize to those “forced out due to an experimental vaccine” and ensure their reinstatement. Hegseth’s comments align with Trump’s vision of a military focused on national defense rather than ideological agendas. The Biden administration’s vaccine mandate faced significant backlash, with multiple courts ruling that the military violated federal law in processing religious exemption requests. A federal watchdog also found that several branches mishandled exemption applications, further fueling criticism. While the mandate was rescinded in 2023 following bipartisan legislation, the damage to military morale and trust had already been done. Conservative lawmakers, including Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), praised Trump’s decision, calling it a step toward restoring fairness and accountability. “Today marks the beginning of the American golden age!” Dunn wrote on social media. The move also highlights the stark contrast between Trump’s pro-military stance and the Biden administration’s heavy-handed approach to vaccine enforcement.

A new chapter for the military

Trump’s pledge to reinstate discharged troops and end controversial medical mandates signals a significant shift in military policy. By prioritizing the rights and well-being of service members, Trump aims to strengthen the armed forces and restore public confidence in their mission. As the new administration takes shape, the reinstatement of these troops—along with the promise of back pay and apologies—offers a chance to heal divisions and refocus on the core purpose of the military: defending the nation. For the thousands of service members who stood by their convictions, Trump’s announcement represents not just a return to duty, but a vindication of their principles. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com MilitaryTimes.com WashingtonTimes.com
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