A lawsuit was filed on November 10 by a group of transgender servicemembers who served in the Air Force for up to 18 years, seeking the reinstatement of their retirement benefits. This legal action follows the implementation of a policy by President Donald Trump that mandated the removal of all transgender individuals from military service.

Under the directive, the Pentagon was instructed to expel transgender troops, with those who voluntarily resigned eligible for separation pay. Those who did not resign were to be identified through medical record reviews and subsequently discharged.

In May, the Air Force informed transgender servicemembers that those being discharged after 15 to 18 years of service could apply for early retirement benefits. The plaintiffs received their official retirement orders in June. However, on August 4, the Air Force reversed its decision, with Brian Scarlett, the acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, stating in a memo that he was disapproving the retirement applications.

Logan Ireland, the lead plaintiff and a 15-year veteran, expressed feelings of betrayal, stating that the military's actions rendered his service meaningless. He noted that he had begun to plan his finances and seek new employment when his retirement was unexpectedly rescinded. Despite supportive responses from his command team, he reported a lack of communication from higher military officials regarding the decision.

The Air Force has indicated that those affected had the option to apply for voluntary separation pay but has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation. Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for LGBTQ Rights and representing the plaintiffs, highlighted that some individuals could potentially lose millions of dollars in benefits, along with military healthcare for themselves and their families.

Minter pointed out that the military typically only revokes retirement pay under rare circumstances, citing an Air Force policy that allows for rescission only in cases of fraud, error, or new substantial evidence. He emphasized that it is unusual for the military to rescind retirement orders without a clear explanation or justification. The Supreme Court had previously upheld the Trump administration's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, allowing the policy to take effect in May.