Hegseth’s Frivolity and Bizarre Priorities Weaken U.S. Military and Help China
Delray Beach, FL — Truth Wins Out strongly condemned the decision today by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, under the direction of President Donald Trump, to rename the USNS Harvey Milk—a naval vessel honoring a pioneering gay rights activist and Navy veteran. This action, taken during Pride Month, is a deliberate affront to the LGBTQ community and an attempt to erase the legacy of a man who bravely served his country and championed equality. The vessel was initially named after Milk in 2016 during the Barack Obama administration.
“By renaming the USNS Harvey Milk, Hegseth proved he’s a showboat more interested in frivolous culture wars at home, than preparing America for real wars abroad,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “Stripping Milk’s name from a naval vessel during Pride Month is not just an insult to his memory but to all who continue to fight for equality. America’s biggest national security threat remains an incompetent Trump administration that appeases Russia and allows China to surge ahead militarily.”
Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, served honorably in the Navy during the Korean War before being forced out due to his sexual orientation. His subsequent activism laid the groundwork for significant advancements in LGBTQ rights. Naming a naval ship after him was a long-overdue recognition of his contributions and service.
The timing of this renaming, coinciding with Pride Month, is not coincidental. It reflects a broader agenda to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military and government institutions. Such backward policies are part of President Donald Trump’s dangerous Project 2025 agenda.
Hegseth is clearly out of his depth and an embarrassment to the Defense Department,” said Truth Wins Out’s Wayne Besen. “His shallow, performative actions do nothing to strengthen military readiness and prove doubters right, who said he was incompetent and not up to the job.”
Truth Wins Out urges all citizens, veterans, and allies to speak out against this action and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Media Contact:
Wayne Besen, Executive Director, wbesen@truthwinsout.org
About Truth Wins Out:
Truth Wins Out is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to advance liberty and democracy, protect the rights of LGBTQ people and other minorities, combat religious extremism, and fight against the spread of disinformation.
Hegseth’s action is a betrayal not only to the LGBTQ community, but to all veterans who are dedicated to justice and peace. Hegseth shames us all.