Navy SEAL who killed Bin Laden criticizes U.S. Navy for using drag queen in recruitment.

The Navy’s Use of a Drag Queen as a Recruiter Sparks Controversy

Former Navy SEAL Expresses Outrage

The U.S. Navy’s decision to use Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, who performs as a drag queen named “Harpy Daniels,” as a digital ambassador to recruit potential candidates has sparked outrage. Robert O’Neill, the Navy SEAL who claimed to have fired the shot that killed Osama bin Laden, expressed his fury on Twitter, stating, “The U.S. Navy is now using an enlisted sailor Drag Queen as a recruiter. I’m done. China is going to destroy us. YOU GOT THIS NAVY. I can’t believe I fought for this bullshit.” Other social media users echoed O’Neill’s anger, calling the decision “beyond disturbing” and “an insult to every veteran and their families.”

Drag Queen Defends Role as Digital Ambassador

Kelley, who has over 8,000 followers on Instagram, defended his role as a digital ambassador, stating that he is “being the representation of people who were oppressed for years in the service.” In November, he wrote on Instagram, “From joining to 2016 and being able to share my drag experience on my off time with my fellow sailors has been a blessing. This experience has brought me so much strength, courage and ambition to continue being an advocate and representation of queer sailors! Thank you to the Navy for giving me this opportunity! I don’t speak for the Navy but simply sharing my experience in the Navy! Hooyah, and let’s go Slay!”

Recruitment Lag in the Military

The Military Times reported that the U.S. Army missed its fiscal 2022 recruitment goal by 15,000 soldiers, while the other branches of the U.S. military, with the exception of the Space Force, “barely made quota or had to pull extensively from their pools of delayed-entry applicants.” Military officials have warned that the recruitment lag will worsen in the next fiscal year.

Opinions Remain Divided

The controversy surrounding the Navy’s use of a drag queen as a recruiter has sparked a heated debate on social media. While some argue that the Navy’s decision is a step towards inclusivity and diversity, others believe that it is a disrespectful and inappropriate move. The debate continues.