Congressman Sorensen Calls Out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Effort to Rename Navy Ship in Honor of Harvey Milk | Representative Eric Sorensen
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Congressman Sorensen Calls Out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Effort to Rename Navy Ship in Honor of Harvey Milk

June 12, 2025

Congressman Sorensen to Secretary Hegseth: “Do You Believe That Harvey Milk is a Veteran Who Deserves His Country’s Thanks?”


Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) called out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s effort to rename the USNS Harvey Milk during Pride Month, despite Harvey’s commendable service during the Korean War that continues to inspire LGBTQ+ service members to proudly wear the uniform.

“Every LGBTQ+ child should be able to grow up to fulfill their dreams serving our country,” said Congressman Sorensen. “The Secretary of Defense renaming the USNS Harvey Milk and singling out LGBTQ+ members who bravely serve our country is disgusting and un-American.” 

You can watch the full exchange with Secretary Hegseth HERE(link is external).

Congressman Sorensen is the only LGBTQ+ member on the House Armed Services Committee. Yesterday, he honored(link is external) Navy veteran Harvey Milk during a House Armed Services Committee hearing while questioning Navy Secretary John Phelan on the decision to rename the USS Harvey Milk. He also recently joined a letter(link is external) objecting to the renaming of the Harvey Milk U.S. Navy ship and calling on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to rescind his order renaming the ship.

Issues:Veterans