Navy Admiral Calls Out Trump Team
Military tradition vs. woke legacy — which should prevail?
In a move that has sparked renewed debate over the direction of the U.S. military, retired Admiral James Stavridis is questioning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s reported decision to strip the USNS Harvey Milk of its controversial name.
“I just don’t get it,” Stavridis said in a Friday interview. “Harvey Milk was gay — that’s well known. But gay sailors serve openly and proudly today. Why change the name now?”
A Shift Away from Social Symbolism in the Military
The USNS Harvey Milk, part of the John Lewis-class of oil replenishment ships, was named after a former Navy officer turned LGBTQ political figure in California. Milk was assassinated in 1978 and later lionized by progressive politicians and media.
But now, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary Hegseth, the Pentagon is reconsidering whether such symbolic naming reflects the values of the modern U.S. military.
According to multiple reports, Hegseth is leading a broader review aimed at aligning military assets with the Commander-in-Chief’s focus on readiness, strength, and traditional values — not political activism.
Conservatives Say It’s Time to Restore the Warrior Ethos
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that Defense leadership is evaluating names attached to Department of Defense ships and installations.
“Secretary Hegseth is committed to ensuring that all DOD assets reflect the Commander-in-Chief’s priorities, our nation’s history, and the warrior ethos,” Parnell told The Hill. “Renaming decisions will be announced following internal reviews.”
That review may not stop at the Harvey Milk vessel. Reports suggest the names of other ships — including those honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Thurgood Marshall, and Harriet Tubman — could also be up for reconsideration.
Admiral Stavridis: ‘Gay Sailors Have Always Served With Honor’
Stavridis, a career Navy officer and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, made clear he disagrees with the potential renaming — but not for the reasons many might expect.
“Throughout history, there have been countless capable and courageous gay warriors,” he said. “Alexander the Great was arguably the most successful general in world history — and he was gay.”
He cited openly gay officials like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who serves in the Trump Cabinet, as proof that sexual orientation has nothing to do with competence or patriotism.
Why Rename the Ship Now — and During Pride Month?
Critics are asking whether the timing is intentional. The reported renaming order comes just as Pride Month begins — a fact not lost on Stavridis.
“Why now? Why during a month that’s meant to recognize these contributions? It just doesn’t sit right with me,” he said.
Still, supporters of the move say the U.S. Navy should focus less on symbolic social issues and more on combat readiness, deterrence, and global power projection.
Conclusion: Time to Re-Focus the Military on Mission First
As the Trump administration continues restoring the military to a mission-first posture, many believe it’s past time to leave behind the ideological experiments of previous administrations.
While the final decision has not been officially announced, the debate reflects a larger battle over the soul of the armed forces — one between progressive legacy-building and traditional military values.
