A recent memo from the Trump administration's Air Force has denied early retirement to transgender service members who have served for 15-18 years, a move that is seen as an escalation of the administration's policy to bar transgender people from the military. This decision forces these individuals to leave the service without full retirement benefits. A spokesperson for the Air Force stated that a dozen service members had been "prematurely approved" for early retirement, but these approvals were later reversed. An internal fact sheet provided to service members even offers advice on how to explain to their families that they will not receive retirement benefits, suggesting they highlight other retained benefits like the GI Bill and VA benefits. Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, said “It’s devastating, this is just betrayal of a direct commitment made to these service members.“ #LGBTQNews #TransNews #USPolitics #AirForce #Trump