In a move that has sparked outrage across political and LGBTQ+ communities nationwide, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has officially ordered the U.S. Navy to strip the name of gay rights activist and former Navy veteran Harvey Milk from one of its vessels. This decision, confirmed during Pride Month, is seen by critics as a calculated and controversial action, reigniting the cultural and political divide around LGBTQ+ recognition in the military.
According to multiple reports from leading outlets including The Washington Post, The Guardian, NBC News, and Military.com, Hegseth’s directive impacts the USNS Harvey Milk, a Navy fleet oiler named in honor of Milk’s legacy as a civil rights pioneer and the first openly gay elected official in California history. Harvey Milk also served in the Navy during the Korean War era, adding layers of both military and historical significance to the vessel’s naming in 2021.
Now, under the authority of Hegseth, the Navy has been tasked with rechristening the ship, with Secretary of the Navy John Phelan reportedly leading the renaming process. The exact replacement name has not yet been determined, but sources close to the Pentagon indicate that a broader review of ship names associated with American historical figures is also underway.
The timing of the decision—made public during Pride Month, a time meant to celebrate and recognize LGBTQ+ achievements—has drawn immediate backlash. LGBTQ+ advocates, military historians, and civil rights leaders argue the move is not only tone-deaf but also regressive. For many, it appears to signal a reversal of hard-won visibility and respect for LGBTQ+ servicemembers and public figures who broke barriers in the face of institutional discrimination.
Why Was the Ship Named After Harvey Milk?
The USNS Harvey Milk was christened in 2021 as part of a broader initiative to honor a more diverse range of American heroes. Harvey Milk’s selection symbolized both his military service and his advocacy for marginalized communities. Despite being forced to resign from the Navy due to his sexual orientation, Milk went on to become a symbol of resilience, leadership, and progressive change.
His life was cut tragically short when he was assassinated in 1978, just 11 months into his term on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In naming a naval vessel after him, the U.S. Navy acknowledged not only his military service but also his groundbreaking role in American civil rights history.
The ship naming was celebrated at the time by LGBTQ+ organizations, military leaders, and elected officials. For many, it was a step toward inclusivity in a historically conservative institution. The renaming of the vessel now threatens to reverse that progress, say critics.
Hegseth’s Rationale and Political Overtones
While the Pentagon has yet to release a full statement on the rationale behind the name removal, early indications suggest that Hegseth is aligning with more traditionalist and conservative values within the military, seeking to depoliticize or “de-woke” the Armed Forces. His critics argue this move is more ideological than strategic, pointing to the symbolic nature of stripping a vessel of a name associated with diversity and representation.
Military.com noted that renaming a Navy ship is a rare and significant move, typically reserved for cases involving controversy, misconduct, or grave historical reevaluations. In this case, no such precedent exists regarding Harvey Milk’s contributions or legacy, making the decision even more contentious.
Supporters of Hegseth argue that military vessels should be named after individuals who embody traditional military virtues and honor. But detractors are quick to point out that Harvey Milk served honorably, and his forced resignation was the result of discriminatory policies of the era—not misconduct.
Public and Political Reaction
The announcement has caused a storm on social media, with hashtags like #HarveyMilk, #NavyRenaming, and #PrideMonthControversy trending nationally. Prominent LGBTQ+ rights organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and GLAAD have condemned the decision as an affront to LGBTQ+ military veterans and active-duty personnel.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle have weighed in. Democratic leaders have criticized the decision as “politically motivated and backward,” while some conservative lawmakers have supported it, saying it reflects a “refocus on military excellence over political symbolism.”
International news outlets, including The Guardian and Times of India, have also picked up the story, underlining the global significance of America’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, especially during symbolic times like Pride Month.
A Broader Pattern?
This isn’t the first time that Pete Hegseth has made headlines for controversial decisions. Since his appointment as Defense Secretary, he has frequently advocated for a less politicized military and expressed skepticism about diversity initiatives within the ranks. Some analysts believe this is part of a broader effort to roll back inclusion efforts introduced in previous administrations.
The move to rename the USNS Harvey Milk may also open the door for further changes. Reports suggest that the Pentagon is reviewing other ship names honoring American civil rights leaders or progressive figures. That possibility alone is likely to stir further public debate and potential legal or legislative challenges.
What’s Next?
The fate of the USNS Harvey Milk’s new name is still uncertain. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ servicemembers, veterans, and allies are watching closely. The ship, which serves a vital logistical role in the Navy’s operations, will continue to fulfill its duties—but now under a shadow of political controversy.
As pressure mounts, advocacy groups are planning protests, petitions, and media campaigns to either reverse the decision or, at the very least, highlight what they see as a rollback of progress. Some are calling for congressional hearings or intervention to examine whether this decision violates broader federal guidelines on equality and representation.
Final Thoughts
Whether one views this development as necessary correction or blatant erasure, one thing is clear: the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk has reignited a national conversation about whose stories we honor, how we define patriotism, and what values the U.S. military should represent.
In the days and weeks to come, the ramifications of this decision will unfold—not just in ship registries, but in the hearts of Americans grappling with questions of identity, history, and justice.
