• Trump surprises with transgender ban.

President Trump abruptly announced on Wednesday that transgender people would not be allowed to serve in the military, reversing a year-old policy reviled by social conservatives.

The president said the U.S. could not afford the “tremendous medical costs and disruption,” although the White House could not answer questions about how a ban would be carried out.

We spoke with transgender service members about their reaction, and invite readers who are affected by the ban to contact us.

• Fragile shelter for Sessions.

President Trump’s aides have tried to discourage him from his continued complaints about Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has a powerful base of support in the Senate.

By Wednesday afternoon, several officials said they thought that Mr. Trump would let Mr. Sessions stay in office, at least for now.