Trump Effect: Pentagon Changes Name Of What?
In a move that fulfills a key promise from President Trump, the Pentagon has announced the restoration of the name Fort Bragg to the military base in North Carolina, reversing a decision made in 2023 to rename it Fort Liberty. This shift honors not only the base’s storied history but also a new legacy tied to the bravery and sacrifice of a true American hero, Roland L. Bragg.
On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an order to restore the base’s original name, signaling a victory for those who believe in preserving the rich traditions and values tied to the military’s legacy. Fort Bragg was originally named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg, whose own controversial history had led to calls for change. Yet, under the new order, the base now pays tribute to Roland L. Bragg, a paratrooper who earned the Silver Star during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II—a reflection of the ultimate service and sacrifice of our nation’s warriors.
“This is a win for honoring our history,” Hegseth said in a video posted on the social media platform X, proudly proclaiming, “That’s right. Bragg is back.”
The renaming comes after years of heated political debate surrounding military installations named after Confederate figures. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in 2020 prohibited further naming of military assets after Confederate symbols, prompting the creation of a commission in 2021 to recommend changes. While President Trump vetoed the 2021 NDAA partly due to the base renaming provisions, he vowed in October to reverse the changes when he returned to office.
At a rally in Fayetteville, Trump made clear his intention to restore Fort Bragg’s name, calling it a symbol of strength and American victory. “We won two world wars from Fort Bragg, didn’t we?” he declared. “We’re going to get it back, and we’re going to bring our country back.”
Secretary Hegseth, who served at Fort Bragg during his time in the Army, also voiced strong opposition to the initial renaming, emphasizing that the base’s legacy should remain intact. He reaffirmed his belief that the name change was a mistake and was committed to restoring the proud history associated with Fort Bragg.
With the Pentagon’s latest decision, Fort Bragg will continue to honor generations of American heroes, cementing its legacy as one of the largest and most respected military installations in the world. Its significance goes far beyond its association with any individual or historical controversy—it’s a symbol of national pride, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of our military.
