Testosterone Screening in the Military Triggers Gender-Care Backlash

Democrats mocked Pete Hegseth’s plan to screen service members for testosterone deficiency as “gender-affirming care,” prompting backlash from Republicans and veterans groups who say the program aims to restore natural hormone levels and improve readiness. Hegseth frames it as restoring and optimizing natural capabilities rather than artificial enhancement, with treatment available if clinically indicated. Supporters argue endocrine health is key to mission readiness, while critics warn against mislabeling medical care as a political gesture.