Trump faces backlash for vowing to rename Fort Liberty to Confederate name if reelected

FORT LIBERTY, NORTH CAROLINA: Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of criticism following his vow to rename North Carolina’s Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg, a move aimed at restoring Confederate names to military installations.

The promise, made during a rally in the pivotal battleground state, faced immediate backlash, notably from former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who took to social media to voice his disdain on Friday, October 4.

“Screw the Confederacy,” Kinzinger declared, emphasizing, “Public announcement: the Confederacy lost, they were traitors, despicable and disgusting and while we should study them to see how brain worms work, everything honoring the Confederacy should be removed.”

His sharp rebuke underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party regarding Trump's statements and the legacy of the Confederacy.

Donald Trump promises to restore Confederate names to military facilities

At a rally in the vital battleground state of North Carolina, Donald Trump repeatedly energized his audience by asserting that the Army installation Fort Liberty, which has undergone a name change in the past two years, would be reverted to Fort Bragg if he secures victory in the upcoming 2024 election.

“Should we change the name from Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg? Right," the twice impeached former president asked rallygoers. “Right? So, here’s what we do – we get elected – I’m doing it, I’m doing it. I’m doing it. And we’re leading in all the polls we should win, but remember this: they cheat like hell."

At the same rally, the atmosphere grew tense when an active-duty soldier, stationed at Fort Liberty, mentioned the installation’s current name saying, “Here at Fort Liberty,” prompting a chorus of boos from the audience.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna, standing alongside Trump, quickly intervened, asking, “You meant Fort Bragg, right?” to which the soldier reluctantly replied, “Yes.”

Department of Defense's 2023 renaming decision

The Department of Defense announced in early January 2023 that nine Army installations would undergo renaming by January 2024, aiming to distance the military from Confederate figures.

William A LaPlante, the under secretary of defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, instructed all Department of Defense entities to fully implement the recommendations of the Department of Defense Naming Commission which included not only the North Carolina base but also facilities in Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas.

Nevertheless, Trump continued to refer to the North Carolina base by its previous name. “Thank you everybody from Fort Bragg!” Trump said at the end of his rally.

Donald Trump's promise to restore Confederate names sparks online outrage

Donald Trump's vow to rename military bases after Confederate figures has ignited a firestorm of backlash across social media.

"The Confederate officers for whom the military facilities were named were not honorable men. In fact, they were traitors and many have reputations for being brutal and inhumane. Read about Bragg sometime. The facilities were named for them in keeping with the Myth of the Lost Cause. Keyword is Myth," tweeted a user.

"MAGA: Stop talking about January 6! That was so long ago. Let it go, already! ALSO MAGA: Let’s talk about the people who fought a war against the USA. We need to keep them fresh in our memory!" said another.

"Beyond insane. These statements are the rantings of a madman. Not fit for office," tweeted a third.

"Fort naming is certainly one of the issues at the top of voters' minds in the coming in election," read a tweet.

"Yeah, cuz he's so dedicated to the Confederacy. He'll say ANYTHING to get a vote," penned a user.

"That brings down the price of eggs, right?" mocked another.

"GOP- always addressing the big issues that affect everyday Americans," said a user.

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