Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pulled the promotion and reassignment of a Navy admiral once linked to sanctioned drag performances aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier, stirring renewed debate over cultural issues in the military.
According to The Washington Times, Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly's nomination to lead the 7th Fleet and be promoted to vice admiral was withdrawn without explanation, following past controversy surrounding Navy-approved drag shows held during his command.
A senior defense official confirmed Friday that Donnelly’s nomination was rescinded by Hegseth. The move stops his expected elevation to vice admiral and cancels plans for him to serve as the top commander of the Japan-based 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest overseas force.
The Pentagon has not released an official reason for the decision. However, Donnelly’s past leadership aboard the USS Ronald Reagan remains under public scrutiny due to the authorization of Navy-sponsored drag performances during his tenure. The drag events drew wide political attention when they took place while Donnelly captained the nuclear-powered carrier from 2016 to 2018. One of the performers, a sailor performing under the name "Harpy Daniels," became a notable figure in discussions about representation and morale campaigns within the military.
Leadership Track Stalled After Political Pressure
Donnelly’s potential trajectory had already faced previous delays in Washington. His promotion to rear admiral was temporarily stalled due to a broad hold placed on military nominations by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., over concerns about Pentagon abortion travel policies during the Biden administration.
While the hold was eventually lifted, the drag performances under Donnelly's command lingered as a subject of controversy. Republican lawmakers criticized the Navy for endorsing what they characterized as the politicization of military culture. President Donald Trump had formally nominated Donnelly for the 7th Fleet role just weeks ago, on June 18. The nomination came amid shifting military policies under the new administration, including a focus on discipline and traditional values in defense operations.
Some Applaud Move as Cultural Reset
Conservative voices quickly responded to news of the withdrawal. Will Thibeau, director of the American Military Project at the Claremont Institute, praised the decision, stating that the military was “back.” In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Thibeau criticized Donnelly's role in permitting the drag events, calling it a form of what he referred to as the politicization of the armed services. “He wasn’t in drag,” Thibeau said, “but he allowed the gross politicization of the Navy. Enough.”
He added that while Donnelly may have been a qualified officer, endorsing such programming diminished the public's confidence in military priorities. Neither Thibeau nor the Pentagon suggested that the performances violated Navy policy at the time.
Navy-Sanctioned Events Part of Broader Inclusion Push
At the time the USS Ronald Reagan hosted the performances, they were part of morale-building initiatives. Navy officials had permitted the events as inclusive efforts aimed at fostering diversity and unit cohesion among sailors.
Criticism intensified in 2023 when some lawmakers raised concerns over such programming. In a letter to then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael M. Gilday, Sen. Tuberville wrote, “My issue is not the sailors’ sexual orientation,” but questioned the focus on identity-based programming. He also said that programs emphasizing race, orientation, or gender were not consistent with what he considered effective recruitment messaging, writing, “The Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment are a great recruiting tool.”
Military Culture Under Growing Scrutiny
In recent years, military programs have increasingly come under fire from some politicians who view inclusion efforts as distractions from readiness and performance. Cultural presentations, like drag shows and influencer outreach, have become focal points in debates over recruitment strategy and military ethos.
Critics argue that such initiatives dilute warfighting missions and risk alienating parts of the traditional service community. Supporters contend these efforts build stronger units by allowing more service members to feel seen and valued. Secretary Hegseth’s quiet decision to withdraw Donnelly’s nomination may reflect alignment with efforts to reorient the Defense Department’s cultural posture under the Trump administration.
Career Outlook for Donnelly Remains Uncertain
Though his nomination is now off the table, Rear Adm. Donnelly remains in the Navy. A senior defense official emphasized his continued role in the service, stating, “The Secretary is thankful for [Adm. Donnelly’s continued service and wishes him luck in his next position.” It remains unknown what Donnelly’s next posting will be, or whether the controversy surrounding the performances aboard the USS Ronald Reagan will further influence his future assignments within the Navy. The 7th Fleet, headquartered in Yokosuka, Japan, plays a significant role in the Indo-Pacific region. Its leadership is regarded as one of the most prestigious assignments in the U.S. Navy, often serving as a stepping stone to higher commands.
Debate Likely to Continue in Military Circles
As culture wars continue to influence federal decision-making, the military is likely to remain in the crosshairs of partisan critique. The withdrawal of Donnelly's promotion could signal a broader reassessment of leadership standards within the armed forces. It also highlights the long-term effects of decisions made years ago under differing Pentagon leadership. Donnelly’s leadership from 2016 to 2018 was not publicly questioned at the time, but its reassessment in 2025 reflects how rapidly political landscapes can evolve. Observers across the defense community expect more such re-evaluations as future nominees are vetted not only for operational expertise but also for past involvement in cultural programming seen as politically sensitive.
