Trump administration orders renaming of USNS Harvey Milk amid Pride Month
- The U.S. Navy is renaming the USNS Harvey Milk following an order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- This decision coincides with Pride Month and reflects a broader shift to re-establish a 'warrior culture' in the military.
- Critics have condemned the move as an attack on diversity and a disregard for civil rights history.
In the United States, the U.S. Navy has been directed to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named after the iconic gay rights activist and Navy veteran, following orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This action was confirmed through a memorandum that outlines plans for the renaming as part of a larger initiative to shift the military culture towards a 'warrior ethos' aligning with the priorities of President Donald Trump. The announcement coincided with Pride Month, which some critics are viewing as a significant and intentional move against the values of inclusivity and diversity in the military. Harvey Milk was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights, serving as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States before his assassination in 1978. His legacy of activism was honored when the ship was named in 2016 by then-Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, representing a historical recognition of civil rights leaders. The renaming of the ship not only points to the Defense Department's focus on aligning its operations with conservative values but also highlights ongoing tensions regarding LGBTQ+ recognition within governmental institutions. Critics, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have decried the decision as a 'shameful, vindictive erasure' of those who have fought for minority rights and social justice. They argue that renaming the ship erases an important part of American history and undermines the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. The renaming is seen as part of a broader strategy under the Trump administration to eliminate references to diversity and inclusion from military policies and programs. While a new name for the USNS Harvey Milk has not yet been announced, it is expected to be revealed in a ceremony aboard the USS Constitution. Additional proposals for renaming other Navy ships named after prominent civil rights figures are also being considered. This shift raises questions about how the military perceives and honors historical figures associated with civil rights, particularly during a time marked by significant social change, including Pride Month celebrations.