Garamendi statement on Trump and Hegseth’s decision to rename the USS Harvey Milk

Today, Congressman John Garamendi released the following statement after reports surfaced that the Navy is considering renaming the USS Harvey Milk.

“Trump and Hegseth’s decision to rename the U.S.S. Harvey Milk and other ships in the John Lewis class erases the legacies of trailblazers who have fought tirelessly for equal rights.

“Announcing this during Pride Month is a desperate attempt to rewrite history and appease a far-right agenda that fears progress. It is an insult to not only the LGBTQ+ community, but to every American who values justice and service.

‘“As a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first openly gay elected official in California, and a Navy officer, Harvey Milk was a true fighter. Milk joined the Navy after graduating college and served as an operations officer on the rescue submarines USS Chanticleer and USS Kittiwake. In 1955, he was forced to resign under an “other than honorable” discharge at the rank of lieutenant junior grade rather than face a court-martial because of his sexual orientation.

“His courage — both in public service and in facing societal prejudice — continues to inspire generations of Americans who believe in freedom, dignity, and equality for all.

“Instead of denigrating our heroes, we should honor those who have honorably served our country, on and off the battlefield. Harvey Milk gave his life fighting for a better, more inclusive America. Dishonoring his name dishonors that mission of equality. Democrats will not stand by silently. We will fight to restore these names and the values they represent.’”

According to Google AI, “The Pentagon plans to rename the USS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler named after the late gay rights leader. This decision is part of a broader review of the names of a class of ships honoring Black and Hispanic civil rights leaders and prominent women. The timing of the announcement, during Pride Month, is intentional. The reason for the renaming is that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a directive instructing the Pentagon to abandon any cultural or awareness months, including Pride Month. There is no timeline for the renaming or the new name.”