Controversy Over Military Base Name Changes

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday, saying he looked “hell stupid” for attempting to rename military bases while using soldiers with the same names to justify it, which Bacon argued was an effort to regain respect for Confederate figures.

The Pentagon revealed in February plans to partially revert the names of two military installations that had been renamed during the Biden administration. This move aims to honor decorated veterans from World War II.

For instance, Fort Liberty in North Carolina, which was renamed in 2023, will now be referred to as Fort Bragg, honoring World War II Paratrooper Roland Bragg instead of the original Confederate General. Similarly, Fort Moore in Georgia replaced Fort Benning, now named for World War I veteran Cpl. Fred Benning, moving away from General Henry Benning’s legacy.

Bacon expressed skepticism about the situation, saying, “I think they’re trying to make this cute by Hegseth. ‘Well, that’s Bragg, but that’s another Bragg.'” He was quoted by USA Today, emphasizing that it looked quite absurd to him.

In June, former President Trump suggested more military base names would be altered to honor soldiers who shared names with past Confederate leaders. “For a little bit of news, we’re going to restore our names too,” he announced during a North Carolina event celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, adding, “We’ve won a lot of battles from those forts… and I’m superstitious, you know, I want to continue it.”

Congress had approved legislation in 2021 to change the names of sites honoring those who fought against the U.S. in the Civil War. Bacon, who recently stated he wouldn’t run for reelection next year, was one of two Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee who voted this week against allowing Pentagon funds to be allocated for Confederate-themed name changes.

“Congress has made clear where we stand,” he remarked to USA Today, asserting that the move was counter to Congressional intent.

Bacon’s office noted he was traveling on Friday and unavailable for further comments, while the Pentagon did not respond immediately to inquiries.

During a campaign stop in North Carolina last fall, Trump reiterated his commitment to restoring the name Fort Bragg.

Hegseth had previously promoted the name-change initiative in a social media video earlier this year, declaring, “Yes. Bragg is back.”