In a notable shift in policy under the current administration, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly referred to U.S. military bases by their previous names—Fort Bragg and Fort Benning—during a press briefing on Monday. This action aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to roll back what he views as “woke” policies and place greater emphasis on traditional military readiness rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense.
Hegseth’s remarks were made as part of the announcement of the implementation of Trump’s executive orders. Speaking from the Pentagon, Hegseth emphasized the administration’s focus on combat preparedness, stating, “Every moment that I’m here, I’m thinking about the guys and gals in Guam, in Germany, in Fort Benning, in Fort Bragg.” The statement was followed by a pledge to eliminate DEI programs at the Pentagon and redirect those resources towards improving operational capabilities.
This reference to the former names of Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) reignited debates surrounding the renaming of military installations. In 2021, the Naming Commission recommended renaming nine U.S. military bases that had been named after Confederate generals. As a result, Fort Bragg became Fort Liberty, and Fort Benning was renamed to honor Lieutenant General Hal Moore and his wife, Julia, with the new name, Fort Moore. The renaming was part of a broader effort to address symbols connected to the Confederacy, but it has been met with opposition from those who believe it is politically motivated or unnecessary. Hegseth’s decision to use the original names highlights the administration’s commitment to reversing what it considers politically correct policies.
Trump’s military policy has placed a strong emphasis on eliminating DEI initiatives, with the president arguing that such programs detract from the primary mission of the armed forces—defense and warfighting. On Monday, Hegseth outlined plans to remove DEI training and leadership roles within the Department of Defense, reallocating those resources towards improving military readiness. Hegseth reiterated, “President Trump’s executive orders aimed at eliminating DEI and ‘wokeness’ from the military will immediately be implemented.”
This policy stance has garnered praise from Trump’s supporters, who argue that DEI initiatives have undermined the military’s effectiveness. However, critics contend that these initiatives are important for fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within the armed forces.
Alongside military reforms, President Trump has also issued a series of executive orders focused on reversing President Joe Biden’s climate policies and increasing domestic fossil fuel production. These orders, which include declaring an “energy emergency,” expedite the approval of energy-related projects and limit legal challenges to new drilling and mining activities. This shift marks one of the most significant changes in U.S. energy policy since the 1973 oil embargo.
Trump’s energy policies aim to undo many of Biden’s environmental initiatives, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and prioritizing domestic fossil fuel production. The new orders emphasize:
Accelerating the approval of drilling and mining projects, including those on public lands.
Promoting the extraction of critical minerals necessary for energy security.
Lifting offshore drilling restrictions.
Streamlining regulations to fast-track energy infrastructure development.
These policies align with Trump’s campaign promises to achieve American energy independence by increasing fossil fuel production.
This energy strategy represents a stark contrast to Biden’s approach, which focuses on renewable energy and emission reductions. By declaring an “energy emergency,” Trump seeks to protect his policies from potential legal challenges while addressing the nation’s energy security concerns.
Trump’s aggressive stance on energy policy has been praised by supporters, with some commentators suggesting that the president is now better equipped to pursue his agenda after the lessons learned during his first term. However, the policies face significant criticism from environmental advocates, who argue that focusing on fossil fuels could exacerbate climate change and hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
While Trump’s executive orders have attracted both praise and criticism, they reflect a clear vision for the future of U.S. energy and defense policy. The administration aims to consolidate support among conservative voters by focusing on military preparedness and energy independence. Whether these policies will ultimately succeed or face significant resistance remains to be seen, but the boldness of the agenda indicates a commitment to reshaping U.S. policy in ways that could have lasting effects on both the military and the energy sectors.
