A group of senators filed an inquiry about a transvestite who attracted recruits to the U.S. Navy
A group of Republican senators sent an inquiry to U.S. Navy officials about a transvestite entertainer who was used to recruit young volunteers.
The “Digital Ambassador” program, which featured U.S. Navy Petty Officer and part-time female-dressed entertainer Joshua Kelly, known online under his stage name “Harpy Daniels,” ran from October through March. Related videos were posted on TikTok.
“While we understand the importance of social media to modern recruiting, we are concerned about both the promotion of the banned app and the behavior that many consider inappropriate in the professional workplace,” the senators wrote in a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, a copy of which is published by Fox News television.
The letter was signed by 14 senators, including such prominent Republicans as Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.
The senators note that it is their responsibility to oversee and determine possible legislative action regarding the Navy’s recruiting crisis and the Digital Ambassador program.
“Where does the Navy draw the line in promoting the personal activities of its Influencers? Will the Navy enlist exotic dancers to attract the attention of possible recruits? Such activities are not compatible with promoting the U.S. Armed Forces,” the letter states.
The letter asks for information on the status of the Navy’s pilot program, how much federal funding was spent on it and whether compensation or special incentives were offered to participants.
A Navy spokesman previously said the Navy did not pay Kelly or anyone else to work as Navy digital ambassadors. He also said the pilot project is complete and the Navy is now evaluating the program and how it will work in the future. The TV station reports that the campaign to promote service among young people took place against the backdrop of the U.S. Army’s volunteer recruitment crisis.