Press Statement
For Immediate Release: 1.20.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Statement Regarding President Trump’s Announcement that Military Members who Refused COVID Vaccine Will Receive Backpay
Washington, D.C.—The following statement may be attributed to David Hacker, Vice President of Litigation and Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute, regarding President Trump’s announcement that military members who refused the COVID-19 vaccine will receive back pay:
The battle to restore those members of the military who stood up for their beliefs against the vaccine mandate was a long and difficult battle, but our Navy SEAL and military clients never gave up. We are thrilled that those members of the military who were guided by their conscience and steadfast in their faith will not be penalized in their military careers and are grateful to President Trump for standing with our military and restoring these brave, faithful warriors.
In January 2022, First Liberty Institute and Hacker Stephens LLP, representing dozens of U.S. Navy SEALs and other Naval Special Warfare personnel, won the first injunction in the nation against the military’s vaccine mandate in Navy SEALs v. Biden. A settlement reached in July 2024 ensures that Navy service members who refused the COVID vaccine for religious reasons have an opportunity to have their records corrected and their careers protected, considering the next three promotion “boards must not consider any adverse information related solely to COVID-19 vaccine refusal in cases in which a religious accommodation was requested.” Servicemembers who elected to leave service after being mistreated by the Navy will also get their records corrected.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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