Pete Hegseth questioned over delayed pay for transgender troops

Seven House Democrats from the Congressional Equality Caucus have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding explanations regarding delayed separation pay for transgender service members discharged under the Trump administration’s military ban.

The lawmakers, led by Representative Chrissy Houlahan, cited reports of service members waiting months for promised funds. Specific cases include a veteran who reportedly lived in her vehicle while awaiting over $66,000, a former National Guardsman awaiting $130,000, and an Air Force major expecting $340,000.

The letter requests that the Department of Defense compare the processing times for separation pay of troops discharged under the ban against those of other departing service members. The group also requested anonymized payment records to investigate the delays.