STAT+: Trump promised redemption for troops who refused Covid shots. A year later, many are still waiting

STAT PlusPolitics Trump promised redemption for troops who refused Covid shots. A year later, many are still waiting Reinstatement is taking longer than expected for troops who left the military Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Leah RosenbaumJuly 23, 2026 Rosenbaum, an investigative reporter at The War Horse, spoke with four service members who are trying to get reinstated and reviewed military records and court records for this story. STAT is co-publishing this article by The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service and veterans. When the Covid-19 vaccine was released in 2020, Daniel Pendergast was intrigued.Advertisement “I honestly thought it sounded kind of ingenious at first,” he said. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Coronavirus, Donald Trump, patients, Policy, STAT+, Vaccines Submit a correction requestReprints Leah Rosenbaum Leah Rosenbaum is an investigative reporter at The War Horse, a nonprofit newsroom that covers the true cost of military service and holds the military-industrial complex accountable. She can be reached via email at [email protected] and on Signal at leahrosenbaum.01. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Exclusive July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: A most-wanted fugitive appears to have been secretly working as a biotech executive Exclusive July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Fresh turmoil roils American Diabetes Association following controversy at conference Advertisement Exclusive July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare Advantage insurers face new bipartisan scrutiny over AI and care denials Exclusive July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Under a new leader, the FDA’s biologics center moves to steady itself after stormy chapter Exclusive July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Top Democrats question RFK Jr.’s health care advisory panel Subscriber Picks