Pentagon employed a drag "influencer" to draw in new employees

The Pentagon employed an enlisted "drag queen influencer" as a "digital ambassador" on social media to attract new recruits. The program has ended and the sailor was not paid. US Navy Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley boasted on Instagram that the navy had invited him to be the first navy digital ambassador. The navy did not compensate YN2 Kelley or any others for being digital ambassadors. This was due to increased scrutiny of the Pentagon's pursuit of diversity, with Republicans and Democrats introducing legislation to restrict transgender military service.

The Pentagon revealed that the army, navy, and air force were all set to miss recruitment targets. LGBTQ service members were required to keep their sexuality under wraps under Don't Ask, Don't Tell.