Controversial Decision: Trump Administration Moves to Change Name of Navy Ship Honoring Slain Gay Rights Advocate
Defense Secretary Hegseth advocates for the expulsion of navy ship personnel who actively support LGBTQ+ rights
In an unexpected move, the US Defense Minister, Pete Hegseth, has proposed renaming the USNS Harvey Milk — a ship that currently carries the name of a renowned gay civil rights activist who was tragically assassinated. The possible new name remains undisclosed, but it's said to be in line with the Trump administration's new policies aimed at reinstating the military's "warrior culture."
The timing of the renaming coincides with June, a month celebrated as Pride Month, during which citizens advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. On Tuesday night (local time), CBS News reported that other ships named after civil rights figures might also get new monikers. Critics, like former House Speaker and Democrat Nancy Pelosi, have accused this move as malicious, shameful, and vengeful.
Harvey Milk, a diving officer during the Korean War, served the Navy. However, he was dishonorably discharged due to his sexual orientation. Post-military, Milk became an icon for gay rights and became the first openly gay politician elected to the San Francisco city council in the 1970s. In 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were both assassinated in city hall. The 2008 Oscar-winning film "Milk" by Gus Van Sant powerfully portrays this charismatic civil rights activist, played by Sean Penn.
Hegseth had already outlined new guidelines for the US armed forces in a strategy paper months ago, deeming measures to promote diversity as being "incompatible with the values" of the Pentagon. In defending his stance, he told Fox News that these guidelines needed to be "rooted out" to return the military to its roots, emphasizing high standards.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- DPA
Additional Insights:
- The USNS Harvey Milk is a replenishment oiler, designed to support carrier strike groups at sea. It was named after Harvey Milk due to his significance as a civil rights icon and a Korean War combat veteran.
- California officials, like Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Nancy Pelosi, have strongly opposed the proposed name change, regarding it as disrespectful and an attack on values of inclusivity and diversity.
- The Navy Secretary, John Phelan, is responsible for selecting a new name for the ship. The process includes legal review and informing senior officials.
- The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has proposed a change in the name of the USNS Harvey Milk, a navy ship named after the renowned gay civil rights activist, whose name currently graces the vessel.
- This proposed change in name, along with potential renamings of other ships honoring civil rights figures, comes during a period of significant policy-and-legislation shifts in the realm of politics and general-news, aligning with the Trump administration's efforts to reinstate the military's "warrior culture."
