GOP Senators Question Navy for Featuring Drag Performer in Recruitment Program.

Republican Senators Question Navy’s Use of Drag-Performing Sailor for Recruiting

A group of 14 Republican senators are raising concerns about the U.S. Navy’s decision to bring on a drag-performing sailor for its pilot “digital ambassador” program in an effort to boost recruiting. Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, who performs under the name “Harpy Daniels,” participated in the program from October 2022 to March of this year.

Questions for Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro

The senators, including Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, sent a letter to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro asking for more details about the “digital ambassador” program. They specifically asked if the Navy endorses drag shows and where the line is drawn on personal activities of influencers. The senators also asked for details on how much Navy funding went toward the program and any data on its impact.

• Does the Navy endorse drag shows?
• Where does the Navy draw the line on promotion of personal activities of its influencers?
• Would the Navy enlist burlesque or exotic dancers to reach possible recruits?

The senators also expressed concern about Kelley’s prominence on TikTok, a social media app that the Navy banned on government-issued devices in 2019 due to concerns about data collection and potential sharing with the Chinese regime.

Recruiting Crisis and “Wokeness” in the Military

Some Republican and conservative critics have tied recent recruiting shortfalls to a perceived politicization of the military and an embrace of socially “woke” ideology. They point to programs promoting racial and LGBT identity, including officially sanctioned drag performances, as examples of this trend. The senators argue that while social media is important for recruiting, it should not come at the cost of privacy, security, or professionalism.

As the Navy responds to these questions, it remains to be seen how the controversy will impact its recruiting efforts and broader efforts to address the challenges facing the U.S. military.