Lawyers ask judge to certify case to protect all trans troops affected by Trump

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Lawyers ask judge to certify case to protect all trans troops affected by Trump military ban

https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/trans-military-ban-class-action 🔗

Christopher Wiggins (16 April 2026)

Transgender service members challenging President Donald Trump's military ban are pressing for a nationwide class action, as a federal court sets a timeline for the next phase of the case.

In a series of filings on Wednesday in Talbott v. Trump in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, plaintiffs submitted a fifth amended complaint alongside a motion for class certification, supported by extensive declarations describing the policy's impact across the armed forces.

The lawsuit is brought by 30 transgender service members and prospective enlistees. The filings meet a deadline set by U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes, who approved a briefing schedule requiring the government to respond by May 29 and plaintiffs to reply by June 12.

The class certification push comes at a pivotal legal moment. In 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court curtailed the use of nationwide injunctions in Trump v. CASA, limiting lower courts' ability to block federal policies affecting parties not to the case.

Lauren Gray, vice president of communications and public affairs at the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, told The Advocate that the class certification request is designed to ensure any ruling applies broadly.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I hope that in their filings, they also mention that these service members will become eligible for healthcare under the Veterans Administration. So whatever decision is made, the impact of current VA policies should be considered, not just for active-duty members.