GOP senators question naval drag queen ambassador effort for security reasons

Jenny Goldsberry

May 04, 08:24 PM May 04, 08:24 PM

Following the Navy inviting a drag queen and active-duty sailor to join its pilot “digital ambassador” program, 14 Republican senators are raising a red flag.

These senators take issue with the newest ambassador's platform on TikTok, as a congressional ban is in effect for the social media site. Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, with the stage name "Harpy Daniels," has over 60,000 followers on TikTok.

ARMY GROUNDS HELICOPTER FLEET FOR MANDATORY SAFETY TRAINING AFTER CRASHES

“At a time when our nation’s military is facing a recruiting crisis, it is as important as ever to reach broader swaths of the eligible population — but not at the cost of privacy, security, or professionalism,” the senators wrote.

The Navy’s 2019 social media handbook warns its members to “assume any content they post may affect their personal careers and the reputation of the Navy more broadly.” These senators go on to “question promotion of social media influencers who post behaviors or activities many Americans deem inappropriate.”

The senators asked for details about the digital ambassador program's funding and whether ambassadors are compensated for their outreach program.

“Our Navy is committed to enabling a workforce demographic similar to that of the nation it serves,” the Navy’s latest diversity, equity, and inclusion policy update reads. “With nearly 50% of recruitable talent coming from diverse talent, the Navy must be deliberate to create a culture where every person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.”

A recent poll conducted by the Heritage Foundation found that 65% of active-duty personnel were concerned about growing politicization in the military.