AS ELECTION NEARS, TRUMP PROMISES TO MAKE A FORT LIBERTY NAME CHANGE
When the Fort Liberty name change was announced, there was plenty of praise and backlash. While the post is officially known as Fort Liberty now, the conversation continues as to what it should be called. So much so, that former President and current presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke of changing the name back should he be elected to the Oval Office after the 2024 election.
Why Did Fort Bragg Change Its Name to Fort Liberty?
The Fort Liberty name change came to be following the pressure to shift from installations holding the names of Confederate figures that stemmed after George Floyd’s death in 2020. In this effort, the government created the Naming Commission. It made headlines for renaming military bases. However, it actually involved much more than that, including various buildings and streets on posts. The post got its name in 1918, after Confederate General Braxton Bragg, who was from North Carolina. Controversy met an apex after Floyd’s death, considering Bragg was a slave owner, adding to the dynamics as George was a Black man. Instead of naming the base after another person, “Liberty” was chosen. This is because preserving it is the overall goal of the post.
Opposing Sides
Like most things these days, there are many people in favor of changing Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg and many others who oppose the idea. Proponents of the idea believe it’s necessary to provide more inclusiveness, get rid of the name of a man who actively fought the U.S. military, and move the American Armed Forces forward. Opponents of the Fort Liberty name change believe it’s a great way to maintain Southern history, counteracts wokeness, and maintains the legacy of the installation built throughout the years. Many bases were named after Confederates following the Civil War in the lead-up to World War I. The government needed more Army bases and needed a way to gain more support from Southern states. Thus, many installations were provided with names tied to the local area and the Confederacy to appease locals.
Trump's Controversial Pledge: Fort Liberty Name Change to Fort Bragg If Elected
Fort Liberty is located west of Fayetteville, North Carolina. This is why Donald Trump’s visit to the city in the midst of his 2024 presidential campaign caused such a stir when he mentioned changing the name back. There were several topics handled by Trump, including immigration and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. But, it should be no surprise that the strong military community had plenty of questions involving the American Armed Forces. Over 5,000 people attended the rally at the Crown Complex. This is where Trump excited the crowd with his news of changing Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg. He would restore the name of the world’s most populated U.S. military installation. “We did win two world wars from Fort Bragg…So, this is no time to be changing names…We’re going to do everything we can to get it back. We’re going to bring our country back,” said Trump, as the crowd chanted “Fight, fight, fight,” in response. Preserving the history of the base is important. This is because many people served under the name Fort Bragg to defend our freedoms. With that being said, Bragg’s controversial history as a figure, noted succession, and legacy as a loser in many Civil War battles have others wondering whether or not another switch should be made. Another Fort Liberty name change would be a large undertaking costing, once again, millions of dollars. However, feelings run deep on each side. Only time will tell if Trump can and is willing to deliver on this campaign promise should he win. Suggested reads: