Rep. Houlahan, Members of Congress Demand Answers on Delayed Separation Pay Promised to Trans Troops Ousted by Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Following reporting that the Department of Defense has failed to pay the promised separation pay to some transgender servicemembers who were separated from the armed forces under Trump’s ban on transgender military service in a timely manner or, in some cases, at all, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led members of Congress to demand answers from Secretary of Defense Hegseth. Rep. Houlahan , House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member, was joined by Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC) Co-Chair Rep. Sarah McBride , House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith , House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member and CEC Chair Rep. Mark Takano , HASC Member and CEC’s Transgender Equality Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Sara Jacobs , HASC Member and CEC Co-Chair Rep. Eric Sorensen , and CEC Co-Chair Rep. Everton Blair . The members’ letter begins : “We write in response to recent reporting that at least a dozen transgender troops have not received the separation funds they are owed. This is unacceptable and appears to be another broken promise by this Administration to those who have served. Since the beginning of this Administration, you and President Trump have targeted transgender servicemembers—not only kicking them out of the military but also subjecting them to constant indignities along the way. President Trump has falsely stated that being transgender is incompatible “with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.” Under the trans military ban, the Services have been forced to ignore the sacrifice, years of service, and contributions by transgender service members. Some servicemembers were approved—and then rejected for—early retirement benefits. As we fight a war in Iran that has resulted in nearly 800 troops being injured, the Pentagon continues to waste valuable time and resources on scouring through servicemembers’ confidential medical records in order to identify transgender service members for separation.” Members cite federal law and DoD instructions that authorize and establish procedures for separation pay, as well as DoD’s own guidance for implementing the transgender military ban, before identifying several ousted transgender servicemembers who reportedly did not receive their full separation pay in a timely fashion. The members continue: “Let us be clear: we strongly oppose the underlying transgender military ban. The House of Representatives recently rejected, on a bipartisan vote, an attempt to codify this ban into law, and we hope the Courts will permanently block this ban from being carried out against any transgender person who would and could be serving but for this ban. In the meantime, transgender servicemembers should receive the separation pay they are owed in a timely fashion—and we urge you to ensure this is handled expeditiously.” The members conclude their letter by asking for Secretary Hegseth’s response to the following questions by October 14, 2026: For each military branch, please provide the following calculations for servicemembers who were separated from the Armed Forces between January 20, 2025, and September 23, 2026, and were eligible for separation pay: 1. For each military branch, please provide the following calculations for servicemembers who were separated from the Armed Forces between January 20, 2025, and September 23, 2026, and were eligible for separation pay: a. The average and median number of days it took following their separation for servicemembers to receive their separation pay in full. b. For servicemembers who were separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance, the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full. c. For all other servicemembers (i.e. those who were not separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance), the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full. 2. Please provide anonymized data for every servicemember who was eligible for separation pay and has been separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations that includes the following: a. The amount of separation pay they have received; b. The total amount of separation pay they were owed; c. Whether they were voluntary or involuntary separated; d. The date each payment was received; e. The number of days between their date of separation and when they received their first payment of separation pay; f. The number of days between their date of separation and when they received their separation pay in full; and g. For those who have not received their separation pay in full, the total amount outstanding and the date by which DoD expects that individual to receive all outstanding payments. 3. Please provide a copy of all guidance and communications relating to the processing of separation pay for servicemembers separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations. Citations omitted in press release. Read the full letter here . The average and median number of days it took following their separation for servicemembers to receive their separation pay in full. For servicemembers who were separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance, the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full. For all other servicemembers (i.e. those who were not separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance), the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full. The average and median number of days it took following their separation for servicemembers to receive their separation pay in full. For servicemembers who were separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance, the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full. For all other servicemembers (i.e. those who were not separated pursuant to Executive Order No. 14183 and its implementing regulations and/or branch guidance), the average and median number of days it took following their separation for them to receive their separation pay in full.