"I need for these currently serving soldiers and veterans to know that their lives matter and their service matters."
The group was excluded over their rainbow-flag logo.
Peter Heidgerd was dishonorably discharged in 1989 with a felony conviction on his record.
"I'm not concerned about two consenting adults and who they go to bed with," said Trump's pick for defense secretary in Thursday's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
"The judge’s ruling is a forceful statement that transgender people deserve equal treatment under the law."
Given the imminence of a Trump presidency, it is likely that support for the rule change will dwindle in coming months.
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk defends brotherly love.
