Military Bases Renamed for Political Reasons Under Biden Administration to Be Restored – President Donald J. Trump

Military Bases Renamed for Political Reasons Under Biden Administration to Be Restored – President Donald J. Trump

President Donald J. Trump made a surprise announcement Tuesday during a speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, stating that several U.S. military bases renamed under the Biden administration will have their original names reinstated. He described the renaming as "unnecessary" and "politically motivated."

Trump said:
“Here’s some breaking news: we are restoring the original names of Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Gordon, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort A.P. Hill, and Fort Robert E. Lee.”

The crowd erupted in cheers upon hearing the announcement. Trump added:
“These bases helped us win many wars. Now is not the time to change their names. I’m a bit superstitious, you know? When something works well, I like to keep it that way.”

These seven military bases had been renamed in 2023 under the Biden administration following a Pentagon directive. The changes were implemented based on a law passed by Congress in 2021.

Response from the U.S. Army
In response to Trump’s announcement, the U.S. Army released a statement:
“We renamed those seven military bases to honor heroic service members who demonstrated extraordinary bravery—from the Civil War to the battle of Mogadishu.”

According to the Army, among those honored were five Medal of Honor recipients, three Distinguished Service Cross recipients, and one Silver Star recipient.

Those Honored by the Renamings
The bases were renamed after the following military figures:

• 1st Lieutenant Vernon W. Pickett, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in World War II.

• Colonel Robert B. Hood, who earned the same award for bravery in World War I.

• Master Sergeant Gary I. Gordon, who received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu.

Other honorees included: Private Fitz Lee, General James H. Polk, Captain Edward W. Rucker, and three Medal of Honor recipients—Lieutenant Colonel Edward Hill, First Sergeant Robert A. Pinn, and Private Bruce Anderson.

“This Is Big News”
Trump remarked:
“This is big news. We’re announcing it to you for the first time today. Some people asked me, ‘Why not wait until Saturday?’ I told them, ‘I can’t wait. I have to share it with my friends today.’”

Notably, a military parade is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 14.

White House Confirmation
The White House has also confirmed the Trump administration's move, stating that the original names of the bases will indeed be reinstated