STRENGTHENING MILITARY READINESS: President Donald J. Trump has issued an Executive Order to establish the Military Spouse Commission, aimed at enhancing military readiness by improving the lives of military spouses and their families.
- The Commission is tasked with advising the President on policies that impact military spouses and families.
- Leadership of the Commission will include the spouse of the Secretary of War as chairperson. The President will select an Executive Director, and members will include the spouse of the Secretary of Homeland Security, along with 20 other military spouses representing the Service Secretaries, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and senior enlisted leaders from each Service.
- The Commission will focus on engaging with military spouses to identify challenges and develop policy recommendations in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, education, childcare, and support related to deployments.
- Annual recommendations will be provided to the President to enhance the quality of life for military spouses, ensuring military readiness remains at its highest level.
PRIORITIZING MILITARY EXCELLENCE: President Trump acknowledges the critical role military spouses play in maintaining the strength, readiness, and retention of the armed forces.
- Military spouses are vital in supporting service members, enabling them to fulfill their missions and protect the nation. Strong family units contribute to a more robust military and a more secure America.
- The frequent relocations, extended deployments, and unique challenges of military life present significant obstacles for spouses, including issues related to housing, employment, healthcare, education, childcare, and deployment support.
- The Commission’s efforts to address these challenges are expected to fortify military families, improve retention rates, and ensure that the U.S. military remains prepared for any situation.
DELIVERING FOR MILITARY FAMILIES: President Trump has taken steps to rebuild the military and ensure proper recognition and support for the families of service members.
- During his first term, he expanded employment opportunities for military spouses by enhancing occupational license portability, increasing remote and flexible work options, and improving access to federal employment.
- In 2018, the Veterans and Transition Act was signed to allow military spouses to maintain their state of residency, mitigating issues linked to frequent relocations.
- In January 2025, an Executive Order was issued to expand educational choices for families, allowing military families to use Department of War education funds for the schools that best serve their children’s needs.
- Another Executive Order in January 2025 reinstated service members dismissed for refusing the COVID vaccine, granting them full back pay and benefits. So far, 345 service members discharged under the rescinded mandate have been reinstated.
- In December 2026, the $1,176 Warrior Dividend was introduced to acknowledge the sacrifices of service members and provide significant financial support to their families.
