“It means no more DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion]. It means no more tr**nies, just training,” he said. “It means colorblind, gender-neutral, merit-based, back-to-basics across the board, no matter if you’re carrying a rifle or you’re working on the plant floor.”

His use of the anti-trans slur could also have legal implications for the trans military ban. Judges may be less likely to agree that the policy is based on real government interests and not animus towards transgender people if the person in charge of implementing it uses slurs against the people it targets.

Like I can understand the argument against trans women in sports, even if I couldn't disagree with it more, but how does being trans matter to military service? I get the actual reason is bigotry, but what is the cover argument? Or have we hit the point where they can just say no trans people because we hate them?