Transgender Air Force Members Sue Over Revoked Retirements by Trump Administration
Seventeen former transgender members of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have formally sued the Trump administration. Their lawsuit claims that the Department of the Air Force unlawfully rescinded their approved retirement orders, violating federal law. The case was filed on Monday in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C.
Lawsuit Details
The 19-page complaint was prepared by multiple legal organizations, including GLAD Law and the National Center for LGBTQ Rights. It argues that the revocation of retirement benefits, earned after years of dedicated service, was unjust. Each plaintiff has accumulated between 15 and 18 years of active-duty experience.
Retirement Orders Background
- Approved retirement orders were issued for the 17 members in June 2025.
- These orders were granted under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA).
- TERA allows early retirement for members with at least 15 years of service under specific conditions.
The lawsuit asserts that these orders were legally binding. The Air Force is only permitted to revoke such orders under limited circumstances, none of which applied in this situation. Service members affected include Master Sgt. Logan Ireland, Lt. Col. Ashley Davis, and Technical Sgt. Alyxandra Anguiano.
Trump Administration’s Actions
In August, the previously approved retirement orders were rescinded following the implementation of the Trump administration’s military ban on transgender individuals. The administration’s actions were outlined in Executive Order 14183, issued by President Donald Trump in January. This order prompted the Department of Defense to exclude transgender people from military service.
In response to this directive, the Pentagon issued guidelines in February that were applied across all military branches. In May, Gwen DeFilippi, the Air Force’s Acting Assistant Secretary, indicated that eligible transgender members could request TERA as an exception to policy, leading to the approval of the plaintiffs’ retirements. However, these approvals were abruptly revoked in August by DeFilippi’s successor, Brian L. Scarlett.
Impact on Plaintiffs
Scarlett’s memo disapproved all pending TERA requests for service members with fewer than 20 years of service. Instead, affected members were only offered voluntary separation pay, which is significantly less beneficial than retirement pay.
The lawsuit argues that the Air Force’s own regulations limit the conditions under which retirement orders can be canceled. The plaintiffs believe their rescinded orders are valid and entitle them to full retirement benefits, as mandated by federal law.
Statements from Plaintiffs
Logan Ireland shared his feelings about being in a state of uncertainty following the rescission of his retirement order. He described the lawsuit as a means to compel the military to recognize the contributions of transgender service members.
“My gender should have no bearing on what retirement benefits I’m afforded,” Ireland stated. He emphasized the struggles faced without a confirmed retirement date, including challenges in job searching and relocation plans.
Legal Objectives
The lawsuit seeks several remedies, including:
- Reinstatement of the original retirement orders.
- Restoration of retirement status and benefits.
- Compensation for lost pay.
- Corrections to military records reflecting the rightful retirement status.
The legal challenge, known as Ireland et al. v. United States, is part of a broader movement against the transgender military ban instituted during Trump’s presidency. Other similar lawsuits are addressing the constitutionality of this policy.
“This isn’t just a fight for us. It’s a threat to every person who has served or is currently serving,” stated Alyxandra Anguiano.
