Pete Hegseth, nominated for the role of U.S. Secretary of Defense by President-elect Donald Trump, has openly criticized the removal of Confederate generals’ names from U.S. military bases. Known for his service as a National Guard veteran and as a Fox News host, Hegseth has repeatedly opposed these renaming efforts from 2021 to 2024, dubbing them part of a progressive change.
From 2022 to 2023, nine U.S. military bases—originally named after Confederate leaders—saw their names changed following the National Defense Authorization Act, which occurred despite Trump’s initial veto. If confirmed, Hegseth could push to revert these names, but he’d need congressional approval to do so. This position aligns with broader objections coming from anticipated Trump administration officials to cultural policies within the military.
Hegseth argues that the renaming campaign erases military legacy and tradition, especially criticizing the name change of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty. Fort Liberty, previously known as Fort Bragg, carried the name of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, a figure scrutinized for his Civil War actions. As Hegseth’s confirmation hearings set to kick off on January 14, he remains vocal about opposing cultural shifts in military practices, including policies on gender and diversity.
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