Trump reinstates over 8,000 military members fired over Biden’s Covid-19 vax mandate

According to Fox News, a Fact Sheet from the White House obtained by the outlet stated, "The Executive Order directs the Secretary of Defense to reinstate all members of the military (active and reserve) who were discharged for refusing the COVID vaccine and who request to be reinstated."

Those who are reinstated will have their prior rank restored in full as well as receive back pay for the time that they have been out of the military.

"From 2021 to 2023, the Biden Administration and former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discharged over 8,000 troops solely due to their COVID-19 vaccination status," the White House added. "After the vaccine mandate was repealed in 2023, only 43 of the more than the 8,000 troops dismissed elected to return to service under the Biden Administration and Secretary Austin."

The move from Trump was one that he pledged during his inaugural address. At the time, he said, "This week I will reinstate any service members who were unjustly expelled from our military for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate, with full back pay."

Since last week's inauguration, Trump has signed a slew of executive orders at a rapid pace with a heavy focus on immigration as well as slashing DEI in the federal government. This week, Senate confirmation hearings for more of Trump's Cabinet picks will take place, including Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

On the first day in office, Trump signed dozens of executive orders as well as rescinded 78 that the Biden administration had implemented