Donald Trump has pledged to rename North Carolina’s Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg if he is re-elected, reversing the 2022 decision to change the name as part of a wider initiative to remove Confederate symbols from military bases. Trump’s vow highlights his opposition to efforts to address racial injustice and has sparked further debate on the issue of military base names.
Trump Promises to Restore Fort Bragg Name
During a town hall meeting in Fayetteville, North Carolina, former President Donald Trump pledged to revert Fort Liberty back to its original name, Fort Bragg. The military installation was renamed in 2022 to remove its association with Confederate General Braxton Bragg, who enslaved people and had a controversial military record. Trump’s vow to restore the name was made in response to a question from an active-duty soldier at the base.
Historical Context of Fort Bragg Renaming
Fort Bragg was one of nine military bases renamed as part of a 2021 congressionally mandated effort to remove the names of Confederate leaders from U.S. military installations. This decision followed widespread social justice protests in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. The base was originally named in honor of General Braxton Bragg during World War I to build support in the southern U.S. for the war effort.
Trump’s Opposition to Name Change
Trump has consistently opposed the renaming of Fort Bragg, vetoing a bipartisan military spending bill that recommended the change while he was in office. However, Congress overrode his veto, leading to the adoption of Fort Liberty after a commission and public consultation process. Other Republican figures, including former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have also called for the restoration of the Fort Bragg name.
Trump’s Military Policy Promises
In addition to the name change, Trump criticized what he called the “woke” leadership in the military and promised to remove individuals he perceives as promoting such ideologies if re-elected. He claimed that these leaders are not reflective of the majority of the military, which he described as “great” and non-political.
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