Army Restores Renamed Bases, Avoids Confederate Honors

The US Army has announced the restoration of original names to seven bases that were renamed in 2023 to remove Confederate associations, following President Donald Trump's pledge to revert the changes. The bases—including Fort Bragg (now honoring WWII veteran Roland Bragg), Fort Gordon (now honoring Master Sgt. Gary Gordon), Fort Hood, Fort Polk, Fort Rucker, Fort A.P. Hill, and Fort Pickett—will adopt namesakes with matching surnames who are notable US military heroes, not Confederate leaders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has supported the move, which rolls back the Biden-era naming commission's efforts that had highlighted women and Black soldiers. Congressional approval may be required for some of the changes. The decision has reignited debate over the commemoration of historic figures and the symbolism of Confederate-linked honors. The financial cost of re-renaming the installations is currently unclear.