Trump to Reinstate 8,400 Troops Discharged Over Vaccine Refusal with Full Back Pay

Jan 27, 2025, 05:00 PM

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order reinstating over 8,400 military service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, restoring their rank, full back pay, and benefits. "Unjustly expelled service members will return," Trump stated. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports the order and expects it to be implemented swiftly. The reinstatement fulfills a campaign promise and aims to address the impact of previous vaccine mandates on military personnel.