Yeah, this is fake news. Trump's policy was to stop new recruitment and cease covering medical payments of transitioning members. No part of his policy involved removing already existing transsexuals in the military.
James Mattis isn't doing anything that Trump said he wouldn't allow. In fact, James Mattis is simply following orders. He's engaging in research to determine the best way to handle the situation, and will the advise Donald Trump on what should be done.
The media is literally spreading complete misinformation. Mattis isn't defying Trump: he's toeing the line and listening to his orders. Bullshit titles such as "freezes transgender military ban" are completely false.
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-polit...eeze-statement