The Great Read: The Army Was the Only Life She Knew. Trump’s Trans Ban Cast Her Out.
Maj. Erica Vandal’s superiors called her “a superb officer.” The president said transgender soldiers like her lack the “honesty,” “humility” and “integrity” to serve.
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The Great Read

June 16, 2025, 2:01 p.m. Eastern time

On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

A portrait of Maj. Erica Vandal, with her hair pulled back, in fatigues.

Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times

The Army Was the Only Life She Knew. Trump’s Trans Ban Cast Her Out.

Maj. Erica Vandal’s superiors called her “a superb officer.” The president said transgender soldiers like her lack the “honesty,” “humility” and “integrity” to serve.

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