Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order immediately after assuming the presidency that would ban transgender people from joining the US armed forces.

The decision, as reported by the British Times, is expected to lead to the removal of some 15,000 transgender people currently serving in the US military.

The ban on trans people in the military was enacted in 2019 during Trump’s first term, who had said their presence was causing “excessive medical costs and disruption”. His successor, Joe Biden, reversed that policy. However, Trump now plans to reinstate and expand the ban to trans people already serving.

Currently, there are about 15,000 transgender people serving in the U.S. armed forces, who hold critical positions and specialties, raising concerns about the readiness of the US Armed Forces.

The Republican Party has pushed hundreds of bills at the state level on this issue. The agenda includes banning access to medical services gender alteration surgeries and preventing trans people from participating in sports with women.

Trump’s decision is expected to spark strong reactions from both liberal human rights NGOs and members of the armed forces.