WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reignited debate over the naming of U.S. military bases Monday, referring to Fort Bragg and Fort Benning by their original names during an interview with reporters. The comments come amid growing questions about whether the Pentagon will reverse base renamings implemented during the Biden administration.
The Biden administration renamed the bases—now officially Fort Liberty and Fort Moore—as part of an initiative to address historical ties to Confederate leaders under recommendations from the Department of Defense’s Naming Commission. Hegseth’s remarks suggest a potential policy shift under the current administration, though no formal plans to revert the names have been announced.
In his interview, Hegseth explained his use of the original names, saying, “I do it for the guys and gals at Fort Benning and Fort Bragg.” His comments appeared to emphasize a connection with service members rather than political motivations.
Critics of the base renamings argue that the original names hold historical and cultural significance within the military community, while proponents maintain the changes represent progress toward diversity and inclusion in the armed forces.