DENIED PROMOTION For Allowing Drag Queen Show on US Navy Aircraft Carrier

The US Department of Defense has officially withdrawn the candidacy of Rear Admiral Michael "Buzz" Donnelly for promotion to the rank of vice admiral and appointment to the post of commander of the 7th Fleet of the US Navy.

The decision came after public reports revealed his approval of a drag show aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier under his command.

Donnelly, a decorated officer with many years of service, previously commanded the aircraft carrier CVN 76 Ronald Reagan from 2016 to 2018. During his service on the ship, several welfare and recreation (MWR) events were carried out, designed to increase the morale of the crew during long voyages. Among these events were drag shows, one of which featured sailor 2nd Class Joshua Kelly, who performed under the stage name "Harpy Daniels".

The speeches were part of the Navy's broader efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, as well as promote morale at sea. Events like this were not unique to Ronald Reagan and were part of the MWR tradition at the time. In recent years, however, drag shows on military bases or ships have become a subject of controversy in political and military discussions, especially under the new administration.

In June 2025, President Trump's administration nominated Donnelly for promotion and appointment as commander of the US Navy's 7th Fleet, a key command in the Indo-Pacific region. His candidacy was withdrawn in July 2025 after questions arose about his previous endorsement of similar events.

Pentagon sources said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has decided to withdraw the candidacy after an internal investigation and external criticism.

The Department of Defense has not released an official statement detailing the exact reason for the recall, but multiple reports confirm that the 2017 drag show aboard the Ronald Reagan was a key factor.