Pentagon ban on transgender troops 'likely' to be lifted next month

(FOX NEWS) -- The Pentagon is "likely" to repeal its ban on transgender service members next month, defense officials told Fox News Friday, even as one report claimed an announcement could happen as soon as next week.

According to USA Today, top personnel officials could meet as soon as Monday to finalize details of the plan. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Wolk would sign off on the plan and Defense Secretary Ash Carter would give his final approval shortly before the July 4 weekend.

Pentagon officials would not confirm the USA Today report's timetable to Fox News, but spokesman Peter Cook told reporters earlier this week that a decision on the matter was coming "soon."

"I can tell you that we have made progress," said Cook. "[Carter] has indicated that he expects to make a final decision soon, and that's exactly where we are."

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