Padilla Statement on Trump Admin Decision to Strip Harvey Milk’s Name From Naval Vessel
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk. A Navy veteran and human rights leader, Milk became California’s first openly gay man to serve in elected office when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, where he served until his assassination in 1978.
“Harvey Milk’s legacy will not be erased by Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s petty culture wars and attempts to undermine the tremendous contributions and service of the LGBTQ+ community to our country. The USNS Harvey Milk pays tribute to a Navy veteran, a trailblazing gay rights activist, and a dedicated California public servant who paid the ultimate price in the fight for equality in San Francisco and across the nation.
“Pride Month is a time for celebrating and honoring the LGBTQ+ community. Attempting to rename the USNS Harvey Milk only deepens the divides Trump has forged across our country. I call on Secretary Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan to reconsider and keep Harvey Milk’s legacy enshrined in our armed forces.”
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