Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the restoration of the names of two military bases, Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, to their original titles. This decision is part of President Trump’s broader strategy to roll back policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in favor of prioritizing military readiness and traditional values.

The bases were renamed in 2021 to remove Confederate symbolism, but Hegseth’s move to revert to the original names has sparked controversy. Supporters see it as a return to military heritage, while critics argue it glorifies a divisive legacy tied to slavery and rebellion.

This policy shift is part of a larger agenda to dismantle DEI programs within the Department of Defense. Trump’s administration claims these initiatives distract from military efficiency, with a focus now placed on combat readiness, physical fitness, and operational effectiveness rather than inclusivity efforts.

While some view the rollback of DEI programs as enhancing the military’s focus on excellence, others warn that it may hurt morale, alienate service members from diverse backgrounds, and create divisions within the ranks. The policy shift has provoked a broader debate over balancing military tradition with inclusivity and the implications for the future of the U.S. military.