The administration under Trump intends to automatically enroll all male citizens aged 18 for potential military draft service by December, representing a major departure from the longstanding practice of voluntary registration. This development presents a striking irony: President Donald Trump personally secured five deferrals from the draft throughout the Vietnam War period, one being a medical waiver for heel bone spurs.
On March 30, the Selective Service System submitted its automatic enrollment plan to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, putting into action a mandate that Congress passed last December within the National Defense Authorization Act. This bipartisan initiative moves registration duties from individual males to federal authorities by linking with current federal information systems, such as Social Security and Census Bureau databases.
The proposal’s timing has heightened discussions about military readiness. It emerged approximately one month following the commencement of military action by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during initial attacks. A tenuous two-week cessation of hostilities began on April 8, facilitated by Pakistan, yet broke down when peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad collapsed on April 12 due to Iran’s unwillingness to relinquish its nuclear ambitions. The president reacted by declaring a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil costs to approach $100 per barrel. In March, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump “wisely keeps his options on the table” regarding potential reinstatement of mandatory military service when questioned.
During the Vietnam War period, Trump obtained four educational deferrals while studying at Fordham University and the Wharton School. Following his 1968 graduation, he was granted a medical waiver at 22 years old due to bone spurs in his feet. The New York Times reported that the daughters of the Queens foot doctor who authorized the diagnosis stated their father issued it as an accommodation to Trump’s father, Fred Trump, who leased office space to him. Michael Cohen, Trump’s previous attorney, informed Congress that upon requesting Trump provide medical documentation supporting the condition, Trump “gave me none and said there was no surgery.” While Trump was educated at the New York Military Academy, an elite military-themed preparatory school, he never enlisted in the United States armed forces. During the Vietnam War period, roughly two million Americans were conscripted before the draft system concluded in 1973.
This automatic enrollment mechanism marks a substantial change from existing legislation, which mandates that males aged 18 to 25 must independently register within 30 days of turning 18. Late registration is permitted by the Selective Service System until individuals reach 26 years of age. Non-compliance brings severe penalties: imprisonment of up to 5 years, monetary fines of as much as $250,000, and possible disqualification from federal jobs and certain state-administered educational financial assistance.
Enrollment percentages have fallen in recent times, decreasing from 84% of qualified males in 2023 to 81% in 2024, based on Selective Service congressional reports. At present, 46 states and territories have implemented automatic registration for men during driver’s license applications, though the proposed federal approach would guarantee complete national inclusion and eliminate the $11 million the organization expends yearly on promotional efforts encouraging male registration.
Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democratic Representative who introduced the automatic registration provisions in the defense legislation, indicated the modification would enable the government to “rededicate resources—basically that means money—towards [readiness] and towards mobilization.”
This proposal emerges while Trump has substantially increased American military engagement internationally, contrary to his 2024 campaign platform promoting peace. During 2025, his initial year returning to the presidency, he authorized operations in Venezuela to apprehend President Nicolás Maduro, commenced military action against Iran, and warned of eliminating Iran’s “whole civilization” entirely. Military intervention has also been threatened against Mexico and Colombia regarding narcotics smuggling, he has pursued territorial acquisition of Greenland from NATO partner Denmark, declined to dismiss the use of force until reversing his position in January, and made territorial demands concerning the Panama Canal.
The transition to automatic enrollment has generated anxiety among certain Americans that authorities are making preparations for possible mandatory service should the Iranian situation worsen or additional crises develop. Legislative action by Congress would be necessary to implement an actual draft before compulsory service could begin. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter enacted the legislation mandating draft registration, and the nation has maintained an exclusively volunteer military system since Vietnam’s conclusion.
Regulatory evaluation of the proposal continues. Should it receive approval, this system would constitute the most substantial modification to military draft enrollment processes in over forty years, automatically registering millions of young males nationwide in a system designed exclusively to enable swift mobilization during a national emergency requiring legislative approval of conscription.
Additionally, Trump has speculated openly about bestowing upon himself the Congressional Medal of Honor, America’s most prestigious military commendation, designated for individuals displaying exceptional courage during battle. At his February State of the Union speech, Trump addressed 100-year-old Medal of Honor recipient Capt. E. Royce Williams, stating, “I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I’m not allowed to give it to myself.” Since its creation in 1861, over 3,500 individuals have been honored with this award, every one having served in military service.
