Defense Secretary Renames USNS Harvey Milk Amid LGBTQ Criticism

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a Navy ship named after the renowned gay rights activist and Navy veteran, sparking significant backlash during Pride Month. Critics, including LGBTQ activists and veterans, argue that this move is a homophobic attempt to erase LGBTQ history and undermine the legacy of Milk, who symbolized both military service and civil rights advocacy. The Pentagon's spokesperson cited a desire to align ship names with the 'Commander-in-Chief's priorities' and a 'warrior ethos,' which many interpret as implying that LGBTQ individuals do not embody this ethos. The renaming could extend beyond the USNS Harvey Milk to other vessels named after prominent civil rights figures, raising concerns about the cost, disruption, and morale impact on Navy personnel. LGBTQ leaders emphasize that figures like Milk were true warriors, challenging the narrative that the renaming supports military readiness. This decision has been met with sharp criticism as a regressive step against inclusivity within the Department of Defense.