Courts blocking Trump’s policies on trans rights argue they reflect animus — government action driven by hostility, rather than legitimate policy.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes pressed U.S. Attorney Jason Lynch, who is defending the administration, about the January directive, which sought to “prioritize military excellence and readiness” by prohibiting transgender people from serving or enlisting.

Two judges from Washington and Maryland issued similar temporary restraining orders against Trump’s executive order, which remains paused for 14 days.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20 mandating the housing of transgender women in men’s prisons and halting federal funding for gender-affirming care. A federal judge has since blocked the transfer of transgender inmate “Maria Moe” to a men’s prison and the denial of Moe’s care.