In a fiery and unexpected moment on live TV, Fox News host Pete Hegseth suggested the U.S. Navy should rename the USNS Harvey Milk — and his bold statement instantly set the internet ablaze. With his usual blunt tone, Hegseth argued that a military ship should honor warriors, not what he called “political symbols.”
His remarks have reignited a fierce national debate over military traditions, LGBTQ+ representation, and how America honors its heroes.
What Did Pete Hegseth Say?
During a Fox News segment, Hegseth pointed to the USNS Harvey Milk — a Navy ship named after the first openly gay man elected to public office in California — and questioned whether such a figure should be honored with a U.S. military vessel.
He didn’t just criticize. He went a step further and said the ship should be renamed after a “true combat hero,” though he didn’t mention a specific alternative name. Still, the message was clear: Hegseth wants the Navy to shift its focus back to traditional war heroes.
Why Is the Ship Named USNS Harvey Milk?
The USNS Harvey Milk, launched in 2021, is a replenishment oiler in the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet. It was named in honor of Harvey Milk, a former Navy officer who was discharged because of his sexuality and later became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S.
The ship’s naming was seen by many as a symbol of progress — a nod to the LGBTQ+ community’s long fight for acceptance in the military. But to critics like Hegseth, this kind of symbolism feels more like political messaging than military tribute.
Why Hegseth’s Comments Hit So Hard
Pete Hegseth’s words weren’t just a throwaway opinion. As a former Army officer and conservative TV host with a large following, his views carry weight — especially with lawmakers and viewers who already feel the military is becoming too focused on politics.
He said, “We’re naming Navy ships after social justice warriors instead of battle-tested patriots. It’s time to rethink who we honor.”
That one sentence caused an eruption on social media.
Reactions from Both Sides
Supporters of Hegseth applauded his courage for “saying what many think but are too afraid to say.”
One person tweeted, “Harvey Milk was a politician, not a war hero. Hegseth is right.”
On the other hand, LGBTQ+ advocates and progressive voices fired back.
“Harvey Milk was a Navy veteran who stood for truth and freedom — isn’t that exactly what America’s military should stand for?” one activist posted.
The debate quickly exploded, with news outlets, politicians, and veterans chiming in from every angle.
Will the Navy Rename the Ship?
At this point, the U.S. Navy has not made any move to rename the USNS Harvey Milk. Ship names are chosen by the Secretary of the Navy and typically reflect the values the military wants to promote — whether that’s civil rights, bravery in combat, or leadership.
Changing the name would require high-level action and likely political pressure. For now, the ship continues to sail under Harvey Milk’s name — but with Hegseth’s comments, the conversation around military naming could resurface in Congress or during future elections.
