Navy scrubs LGBTQ posts from Twitter and Instagram and removes its rainbow banner before posting lengthy statement in 'celebration' of Pride Month a day later
- On Thursday - the first day of Pride Month - the US Navy reportedly changed its social media banners to feature a multi-colored Pride banner
- A day later, the Navy's profiles have all switched to featuring a photo taken from an aircraft flying by a naval ship
- On Friday afternoon, Secretary of Navy, Carlos Del Toro, released a statement in support of pride, but did not address why the posts were removed
The US Navy has scrubbed its social media of Pride posts and removed its rainbow banner just two days into Pride Month as it continues to distance itself from controversial topics.
On Thursday - the first day of Pride Month - the US Navy reportedly changed its social media banners to feature a multi-colored photo of naval equipment streaked with pride flags.
A day later, the Navy's profiles have all switched to featuring a photo taken from an aircraft flying by a naval ship.
In addition, it removed posts from Twitter and Instagram where the Navy said it took 'pride in all of our Sailors.'
'Those who have raised their right hands in service to our nation with certainty amidst uncertain times to protect and preserve freedom for all. #PrideMonth,' the post read.
The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, released a statement on Friday afternoon regarding Pride Month, writing: 'The Department of the Navy (DON) joins the Nation in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LBGTQI+) Pride Month during the month of June.
On Thursday - the first day of Pride Month - the US Navy reportedly changed its social media banners to feature a multi-colored photo of naval equipment streaked with pride flags
A day later, the Navy's profiles have all switched to featuring a photo taken from an aircraft flying by a naval ship
'Members of the DON's LGBTQI+ community have served from every base, ship, shipyard, and facility. Pride Month holds great importance to this community and their allies as it commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1960 as a foundation for LBBTQI+ individuals to discover and celebrate their inherent pride.
'Today, LBGTQI+ Sailors, Marines, civilians, and contractors work alongside their colleagues to develop creative solutions to today's complex naval challenges, and they stand in defense of our Nation to execute our mission and defeat our adversaries.'
It did not explain why the posts and banner were removed. DailyMail.com has reached out for comment.
In emails reviewed by Fox News, Navy officials said they were hesitant to allow followers to comment on Pride Month posts due to expected backlash from 'trolls and ugliness.'
Another official referred to homophobic followers as 'bigots' and 'a**holes.'
In addition, it removed posts from Twitter and Instagram where the Navy said it took 'pride in all of our Sailors.'
Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, in a statement in support of Pride Month
Del Toro wrote: 'The Department of the Navy (DON) joins the Nation in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LBGTQI+) Pride Month during the month of June
Recently, the Navy has attempted to distance itself from controversial topics and canceled a drag show that was scheduled to take place at Nevada's Nellis base.
The show was shut down by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley who claimed such events are 'not a suitable use of federal funds and resources.'
The event — which encouraged friends and neighbors to attend, with no minimum age requirement — was initially approved by Air Force officials before getting shot down by the nation's top brass.
Milley was 'visibly angry,' when he was informed about the event, sources told NBC.
The DOD gave two options: cancel the drag performance or move it off military grounds. It's unclear as to whether the event will be relocated or if the Pentagon is planning a different event in its place.
The Air Force base has hosted the drag show for the past two years.
The move comes after Austin said drag shows are not something the Pentagon funds during a House Armed Services hearing in March.
The Pentagon cancelled a drag show which was scheduled for Thursday at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada to kick off Pride month
'Consistent with Secretary Austin's congressional testimony, drag events will not be hosted on military installations or facilities,' said a US Department of Defense official.
Sabrina Singh, Department of Defense deputy press secretary provided a statement to Dailymail.com that read: 'Per DoD Joint Ethics Regulation (JER), certain criteria must be met for persons or organizations acting in non-Federal capacity to use DoD facilities and equipment.'
'As Secretary Austin has said, the DOD will not host drag events at U.S. military installations or facilities. Hosting these types of events in federally funded facilities is inconsistent with regulations regarding the use of DoD resources.'
'We are proud to serve alongside any and every young American who takes the oath that puts their life on the line in defense of our country,' she added. 'Service members and their families are often involved in a host of special interest activities related to their personal hobbies, beliefs, and backgrounds.'
The drag show planned to feature Lawanda Jackson, Coco Montrese and Carnie Asada.
Montrese, who was a star on RuPaul's Drag Race, claimed the show was privately funded and did not use taxpayers' money.
