In a controversial move that has sparked fierce backlash from political figures and LGBTQ+ activists, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, has ordered the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a naval vessel named after the late San Francisco gay rights activist. The decision has ignited a firestorm of debate, with many accusing Hegseth of undermining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the U.S. military. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has been one of the most vocal critics of the decision, calling it “spiteful” and urging the Navy to reconsider what she described as an “egregious” action.

The move to rename the ship, which was commissioned in 2015 in honor of Harvey Milk—one of the first openly gay elected officials in California—comes at a time of heightened national debate over the role of DEI programs in government institutions, including the military. While Hegseth has long been a vocal critic of DEI initiatives, this latest action signals a more direct challenge to the legacy of LGBTQ+ advocacy and representation within the armed forces.

The Controversial Order and Hegseth’s Stance

Pete Hegseth, who assumed the role of Secretary of Defense after years of vocal criticism of what he views as an overemphasis on DEI in the military, issued the order to rename the ship, citing a desire to “focus on military readiness” and “preserve the military’s traditional values.” Hegseth, known for his outspoken conservative views, has repeatedly argued that the military should prioritize combat readiness and national defense over social and political issues.

In a statement, Hegseth explained, “The U.S. military should be focused on one thing: defending our nation. The inclusion of politically charged figures such as Harvey Milk in the naming of military assets only divides us. We need a military that is united and prepared for the challenges ahead, not one that is mired in partisan debates.”

This decision to remove the name of an openly gay figure from a naval ship is seen by many as part of a broader effort to roll back initiatives that prioritize diversity and inclusion in the military. Hegseth has long been critical of the influence of DEI programs on the armed forces, arguing that such initiatives weaken the institution by diverting attention from its core mission.

Speaker Pelosi’s Outrage: A Spiteful Act

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who represents California and has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, quickly condemned Hegseth’s decision, calling it “spiteful” and “disrespectful” to both Harvey Milk’s legacy and the LGBTQ+ community. Pelosi, who worked closely with Milk during his time as a city supervisor in San Francisco, expressed her deep disappointment in the renaming of the ship.

“In the wake of Harvey Milk’s tireless work for equality, to have his name stripped from a naval vessel is an egregious mistake,” Pelosi said in a statement. “This is a spiteful act that serves only to further divide our nation, and I urge the Navy to reconsider this decision. Harvey Milk was a trailblazer who fought for civil rights and inclusivity, values that should be celebrated in all corners of our society, including the military.”

Pelosi also pointed out that the renaming of the ship sends the wrong message to LGBTQ+ service members and undermines the military’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity. “This is not just an attack on one individual’s legacy—it is an attack on the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. The Navy has long been a beacon of equality, and we must continue to honor those who have paved the way for marginalized groups to serve proudly,” she added.

The Fallout: A Divisive Issue in the Military

The renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk is a deeply polarizing issue within the military and beyond. On one hand, critics of Hegseth’s order argue that it undermines decades of progress made by LGBTQ+ activists and serves as a setback for military inclusivity. Many within the LGBTQ+ community view the move as a direct attack on their right to be represented and celebrated in all facets of society, including the military.

“We’ve made so much progress, and then this happens,” said Sarah, an LGBTQ+ activist and military veteran. “It’s disheartening to see someone in a position of power roll back the small victories we’ve fought so hard to achieve. Renaming the ship isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a message that says our contributions don’t matter.”

On the other hand, supporters of Hegseth’s stance argue that the military should remain apolitical and free from what they perceive as political correctness. They believe that the armed forces should be focused solely on national defense and military readiness, not on social or political causes. Some also feel that the inclusion of figures like Harvey Milk in the naming of military assets detracts from the military’s core mission and distracts from its primary role.

The Broader Debate on DEI in the Military

The debate over the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk is part of a larger national conversation about the role of DEI initiatives in government institutions. In recent years, several conservative leaders have called for a reevaluation of DEI programs, particularly within the military, arguing that they dilute the focus on combat readiness and unity.

Supporters of DEI, however, argue that diversity in the armed forces is essential to building a strong, cohesive military. They point out that service members from all backgrounds—racial, gender, and sexual orientation—bring unique perspectives and experiences that ultimately strengthen the military. For many, the renaming of the ship symbolizes a step backward in the fight for equality and inclusion in the armed forces.

The Path Forward: A Divisive Issue

As this issue continues to unfold, it is clear that the controversy surrounding the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk will continue to divide opinions both inside and outside the military. The decision has reignited a broader conversation about the intersection of politics, military readiness, and the fight for equality. For now, the future of the USNS Harvey Milk and its name remains uncertain, but the controversy has brought attention to the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and representation within the U.S. military.

Conclusion: A Nation Divided

Pete Hegseth’s decision to rename the USNS Harvey Milk has created a major rift in the ongoing debate over diversity and inclusivity within the military. With figures like Speaker Nancy Pelosi fiercely opposing the move and advocates for military inclusivity calling for a reversal, it remains to be seen how the Navy will respond to the mounting pressure. What is clear, however, is that this controversy is not just about a ship’s name—it’s about the values of equality and representation that continue to shape the military’s future.