The US Navy plans to remove the name of gay rights leader and Navy veteran Harvey Milk from one of its ships, the USNS Harvey Milk, and may change the titles of other vessels honoring civil rights leaders. According to documents obtained, the renaming of the ship is part of a broader effort to realign the US military with the Trump administration’s goal of “re-establishing the warrior culture” in the armed forces.
The directive, which outlines a timeline for when the renaming would be shared with the public, has sparked criticism from prominent Democrats. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called the move a “vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American dream.” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned the decision, saying Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth “should be ashamed of himself and reverse this immediately.”
Harvey Milk was a trailblazer as the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors before his assassination 10 months later. The USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet oiler, was named in his honor. The Navy may also rename other ships, including the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the USNS Harriet Tubman, according to the documents.
The decision comes amid a larger movement within the Trump administration to curb diversity and inclusion programs across federal departments. President Donald Trump has issued executive orders banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in government and recognizing only two sexes, male and female. Critics argue that these initiatives address historical underrepresentation and discrimination, while supporters of the administration’s actions say they promote unity in the military.
The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk has sparked controversy, particularly during Pride Month, an annual commemoration of the LGBT community. The move has been seen as part of a broader effort to erase the contributions of civil rights leaders like Milk.