The US Defense Department announced Friday night that Kingsley Wilson has been promoted from deputy spokesperson to chief Pentagon spokesperson, a decision that has intensified controversy given her history of promoting antisemitic and racist content on social media platforms.
The promotion has generated fierce opposition from legislators across party lines and prominent Jewish advocacy groups, who point to Wilson's documented pattern of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories through her social media accounts.
Wilson has repeatedly targeted the Anti-Defamation League for sharing the historical account of its establishment, which followed the lynching of Leo Frank, an American Jewish man, in the early 1900s. In her posts, Wilson claimed that "Leo Frank raped and murdered a 13-year-old girl" – perpetuating a debunked conspiracy theory that persists today despite overwhelming historical evidence that Frank was falsely convicted and killed due to antisemitic sentiment. Wilson further wrote that "He also tried to frame a black man for his crime. The ADL is despicable." These inflammatory posts remain visible on her social media accounts.
Leo Frank raped & murdered a 13-year-old girl.
He also tried to frame a black man for his crime.
The ADL is despicable. https://t.co/BGfjjxxAUh
— Kingsley Wilson (@KingsleyCortes) March 11, 2023
Wilson has also lauded Confederate General Robert Edward Lee as "one of the greatest Americans who ever lived" and promoted the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory, which falsely accuses Jewish people of orchestrating efforts to "replace" Western populations.
The Pentagon has stood firm behind Wilson's promotion despite mounting criticism. Sean Parnell, the department's chief spokesperson and senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, defended the decision on X Friday, stating that "Kingsley's leadership has been integral to the DoD's success & we look forward to her continued service to President Trump!"
The Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs is announcing that Kingsley Wilson will serve as Press Secretary for the Department of Defense.
Kingsley's leadership has been integral to the DoD's success & we look forward to her continued service to President Trump!…— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellATSD) May 23, 2025
Wilson faced similar controversy when she was initially appointed deputy spokesperson in March. Republican Senator Rick Scott expressed disapproval at the time, saying, "Obviously, I don't agree with the things she wrote. I trust that the Pentagon will address this." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in Congress, demanded her termination.
