Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly’s decades-long naval career reached an abrupt turning point this week after the Pentagon revoked his nomination to a key leadership post in the Pacific Fleet.
According to Military.com, the decision followed renewed attention from conservative media and lawmakers on drag performances permitted under his previous command of the USS Ronald Reagan, marking the latest high-profile episode in the military’s tension over cultural expression and operational focus.
Donnelly, who currently holds a senior post overseeing air warfare strategies for the chief of naval operations, had been slated to lead the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. However, a report published Thursday by The Daily Wire raised questions about drag performances that had taken place aboard the USS Ronald Reagan during Donnelly’s command from 2016 to 2018.
Inquiries from the outlet reportedly prompted the Pentagon to rescind Donnelly’s planned transfer, according to the same report. Pentagon officials did not release a formal statement elaborating on the decision or addressing the impact of the media coverage. The U.S. Navy also chose not to comment on the circumstances behind Donnelly’s withdrawn promotion. The lack of public explanation left uncertainty around the future of Donnelly’s service, though sources close to the situation believe the decision effectively ends his chances of further advancement.
Drag Performances Spark Wider Political Debate
Drag performances within the military have attracted mounting criticism from some conservative figures in recent years. In 2023, campaigns led by politicians and commentators intensified scrutiny on such displays, particularly those occurring during Pride Month in June. Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley became a central public figure during this period. Kelley, who performs as drag artist “Harpy Daniels,” gained prominence after participating in a 2017 lip sync event on the USS Ronald Reagan, wearing full drag attire.
His performance was featured in an NBC profile the following year, highlighting his advocacy for inclusivity aboard military vessels. Despite public outcry from some quarters, Kelley remained in service and, as of June 2025, reenlisted for another four-year term after earning a promotion to petty officer first class.
Top Officials Respond With Policy Changes
Responses extended beyond media and political spheres. Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a military-wide ban on drag performances in mid-2023 amid the growing cultural and political backlash. During a congressional hearing that same summer, Rep. Mark Alford of Missouri criticized what he called “oversexualized performances” occurring on military bases, underscoring the broader concern surrounding the use of military spaces for entertainment events unrelated to combat readiness.
Further highlighting the military’s evolving standards, a Military.com report from July 2023 noted that Joint Base Lewis-McChord had hosted an air show that featured bikini-clad models posing with military equipment — a juxtaposition that raised questions about which forms of expression are deemed allowable.
Criticism Centers on Military Readiness Concerns
Opponents of allowing drag events in the armed forces argue that such performances shift focus away from warfighting capabilities. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama cited the USS Ronald Reagan incident as emblematic of a military distracted by cultural discussions.
Meanwhile, long-standing Navy traditions reflect a more complicated historical relationship with gender performance. Cross-dressing has been part of “line crossing” ceremonies, which mark a ship's passage across the equator. In these rituals, a male sailor often portrayed Queen Amphitrite, a figure from maritime lore. Similar elements permeated chief petty officer (CPO) initiation ceremonies through the 1990s. According to a report authored by Master Chief Petty Officer James Leuci for the Naval History and Heritage Command, these rituals routinely involved male sailors dressing in women’s clothing and using props such as condoms and other intimate items.
From Pilot to Command Leader and Beyond
Donnelly’s background includes a long and decorated career beginning in 1989. He served as a pilot flying both the F-14 Tomcat and the F/A-18F Super Hornet before rising through the ranks to command positions.
After his service aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, Donnelly went on to lead Carrier Strike Group Five and later commanded U.S. Naval Forces Korea. His trajectory placed him among the most prominent leadership figures in the Navy’s operational structure. His current assignment, overseeing air warfare for the chief of naval operations, is a key strategic role. Had his elevation proceeded, Donnelly would have taken charge of the 7th Fleet — a pivotal unit responsible for U.S. naval operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
Future Routes Limited After Nomination Withdrawal
The Pentagon’s choice to pull Donnelly’s reassignment appears to close the door on any future promotions. No official replacement has been announced at this time for the 7th Fleet position he was intended to fill. While the Navy has yet to clarify the specifics leading up to Donnelly’s stalled advancement, the timing of the reversal suggests a connection to the public discourse surrounding drag participation and military morale.
The debate continues over what types of personal expression and morale-boosting events are appropriate within disciplined military environments. Advocates call for inclusivity and representation, while critics stress tradition and combat effectiveness.
