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WASHINGTON — In a heated Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Tuesday, Trump’s U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s controversial move to restore Confederate names of military bases—names historically tied to Confederate generals who fought to uphold slavery.
Senators grilled Hegseth over the Department of Defense’s plans to reverse renamings that were made following the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests and recommendations from the bipartisan 2020 Naming Commission. That commission, established by Congress, led to the renaming of several military installations previously honoring Confederate leaders. Among them were Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, and Fort Benning—names that now face a symbolic resurrection.
“A Tribute to Treason”: Lawmakers Grill Hegseth Over Confederate Base Names and Misplaced Loyalty
“I’m somewhat puzzled,” said Senator Angus King (I-Maine). “I grew up in Virginia where Robert E. Lee was revered. As I learned more about American history, I realized he fit the classic definition of a traitor. He took up arms against his country. He broke his oath.”
King questioned Hegseth directly: “Why are you doing this? Who is telling you to do this? Who is urging you to honor people who fought to uphold slavery?”
Hegseth didn’t back down. “To a man and to a woman,” he responded, “they will tell you, ‘Thank God we’re back to Fort Bragg.’ Veterans and service members feel connected to those names, to those places. What we’re doing is restoring legacy, not erasing history.”
But for many Black Americans—especially those who’ve served—Hegseth’s framing rings hollow.
The Defense Secretary’s remarks quickly drew fire for what many symbolize as a return to names that many consider a tribute to treason and white supremacy.
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a veteran herself who served in the Iraq War, took direct aim at Hegseth’s assertion that service members prefer the original names.
“I am one of those women,” Duckworth said. “I served at Fort Rucker, named for a traitor who led troops who killed Americans. It was renamed for Mike Novosel, a Medal of Honor recipient who saved 29 American lives, even while under enemy fire. That is someone I’d rather be associated with—not a failed Confederate general.”
Duckworth continued, “I don’t know whether you are inexperienced or too incompetent, but I wonder when you will actually focus on our nation’s warfighting mission.”
From Confederates to Patriots: Honoring Black Heroes Who Fought for a Country That Once Fought Against Them
The U.S. military renamed several installations to honor Black service members who demonstrated extraordinary valor and leadership.
Fort Gregg–Adams honors Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, two trailblazing Black officers. The military originally named the base after Confederate General Robert E. Lee. In April 2023, officials renamed it to reflect a legacy of progress rather than division.
Fort Johnson, once known as Fort Polk, now bears the name of Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero and Medal of Honor recipient. The original namesake, Leonidas Polk, was a Confederate general and Episcopal bishop who fought to uphold slavery during the Civil War.
Camp Gilbert H. Johnson, renamed in 1974, pays tribute to Sgt. Maj. Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson, one of the first Black Marine drill instructors. Previously known as Montford Point Camp, it was a segregated training facility for Black Marines during World War II, located at what is now Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
These new names didn’t erase history—they expanded it, offering long-overdue recognition to Black patriots who helped build and defend the United States. Hegseth is choosing to honor Confederates who committed treason over these Black American veterans who defended America with dignity.
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Restoring Confederate names on US Military Bases? The Fight Over Base Names Is Really a Fight for America’s Soul
Senator King reminded Hegseth—and the American people—that reckoning with history isn’t about erasure, but about honesty.
“We’re not erasing history, Mr. Secretary,” King said. “We’re recognizing it. And recognizing that honoring Confederate generals is an insult to the people of the United States.”
For Black Americans, who have fought in every war this country has waged—even while being denied basic rights at home—the idea of once again saluting symbols of the Confederacy is more than offensive. It’s traumatic.
As this battle over base names unfolds, it’s not just about signage. It’s about whether America will choose to honor the legacy of unity—or keep resurrecting ghosts of division.
The decision to restore Confederate names has drawn sharp backlash from civil rights groups, veterans, and Black military families who view it as deeply regressive.
Wonderfully written, sir. Thank you for shedding more light on the issue for Our Veterans who serve/have served this country faithfully, sans the gratitude and honor they are UNQUESTIONABLY & RIGHTFULLY due!!!