The U.S. Navy’s Twitter account caused a stir when it briefly underwent an LGBT-themed makeover, before the military branch reversed course and removed the imagery.

“The US Navy posted graphics in support of the start of Pride month to honor the service, commitment, and sacrifice of the LGBTQ+ Service members and personnel who volunteer to defend our country.”

On Thursday, the Navy’s official Twitter account included a special LGBT-themed banner showing two U.S. warships and an F-18 fighter jet leaving the colors of the rainbow flag in their wake. The icon of an eagle, shield, and anchor that the Navy has used in its Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook profile pictures was also modified on Thursday, with the eagle’s feathers changed to match the rainbow flag colors.

The timing of the Navy’s social media profile settings coincided with the start of June, which is officially recognized as LGBT Pride Month. But by Friday, the LGBT-themed imagery had disappeared from the Navy’s social media accounts.

In addition to removing its temporary profile pictures and banners, the Navy also appeared to remove what would have been a more-permanent Instagram photo post.

The Navy did not immediately call attention to its decision to remove the LGBT imagery from its social media accounts, but the change was nevertheless spotted by watchful social media users. A Navy spokesperson did acknowledge the change in response to an NTD News request for comment.

“Members of the LGBTQ+ community serve their country, fully contribute to the DOD mission, and deserve a welcoming environment which enables them to reach their full potential.”

The U.S. military has come under increased scrutiny over its handling of a variety of social issues in recent years. Numerous Republican lawmakers have questioned various components of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for its focus on “diversity and inclusion” and whether the military is being used as a venue to promote “woke” social and political agendas.

Government Watchdog Organization Raises Concerns

On Thursday, a government watchdog organization called the Functional Government Initiative (FGI) announced it had obtained documents through a Freedom of Information Act request that showed at least two Navy officials emailed back and forth about ways to share LGBT-themed imagery during June last year without stirring up objections from the military branch’s own recruiters.

According to the documents FGI reviewed, one Navy employee suggested giving the recruiters no notice of the changes until it was too late for them to express their concerns. The two Navy employees also reportedly referred to critics.

Conclusion

While the U.S. Navy’s brief LGBT-themed Twitter makeover may have been well-intentioned, it has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the military’s focus on social issues. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Navy and other branches of the military will navigate these sensitive topics in the future.