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Statement Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order Restoring Military Members Who Refused COVID Vaccine

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January 28, 2025

Press Statement
For Immediate Release: 1.27.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453

Statement Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order Restoring Military Members Who Refused COVID Vaccine

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 Executive Order reinstating military members who refused the COVID-19 vaccine:

Our military clients never quit in the fight for religious liberty.  We are thrilled that all those service members who were guided by their conscience and steadfast in their faith have been vindicated.  We are grateful to President Trump for standing with these brave, faithful warriors, and committing to reestablishing our military as strongest in the world.

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.” Service members 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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