Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has withdrawn the nomination of Rear Admiral Michael Donnelly for promotion to vice admiral and command of the Navy’s 7th Fleet. This decision comes in the wake of reports concerning drag queen performances permitted on the USS Ronald Reagan during Donnelly’s tenure as commander.
According to reliable sources, the Senate had initially approved Donnelly’s nomination on June 29th. However, Secretary Hegseth rescinded the nomination without providing a public explanation. A spokesperson for the Department of Defense stated, “The Secretary is thankful for his continued service and wishes him luck in his next position.”
Reports indicate that during Donnelly’s command of the USS Ronald Reagan from 2016 to 2017, a sailor identified as Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley performed as a drag queen under the name “Harpy Daniels” at events sanctioned by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department.
This development raises important questions about the intersection of military culture, leadership decisions, and evolving social norms within the armed forces. The significance of this should not be overlooked, as it may influence future policy decisions and nominations within the Navy and broader military structure.
