Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg, is at the center of a naming controversy that reflects deeper debates over historical legacy and military tradition. Renamed in June 2023, Fort Liberty was originally named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg in 1918. The name change was mandated by a congressional commission established in 2021 to rename military bases honoring Confederate leaders. However, the shift has sparked resistance, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to revert the name if re-elected, arguing that changing the name disrespects the base’s historical significance and its role in U.S. military victories.
The renaming of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty was part of a broader effort to address the legacy of Confederate symbols in the military. The commission, created by Congress, identified Fort Bragg as one of nine bases named after Confederate figures and recommended its renaming. General Braxton Bragg, a native of North Carolina, was a prominent figure in the Civil War, which made his namesake a target for critics who argue that honoring Confederate leaders perpetuates racism and division. The base’s new name, Fort Liberty, was chosen to reflect the Army’s values of freedom and inclusivity. However, the change has been met with skepticism and pushback from some conservatives and veterans’ groups who view it as an unnecessary erasure of history.
The debate over Fort Liberty’s name took a new turn in October when Trump, during a campaign event in Fayetteville, North Carolina, near the base, pledged to reverse the change. “We’re going to get it back,” he told supporters, referencing Fort Bragg’s historical role in World War II and its reputation as the “Home of the Airborne.” Trump’s comments align with his broader critique of efforts to reexamine and reinterpret historical symbols, which he often frames as attacks on American heritage. His stance has been echoed by figures like Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and now Secretary of Defense, who has also criticized the renaming as “a sham” and “garbage.”
The Army is exploring legal avenues to revert the name of Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg without violating the 2021 law requiring the renaming of bases named after Confederates. One potential solution being considered is renaming the base after a different individual with the surname Bragg, such as Private First Class Roland Bragg, a World War II medalist, or Edward S. Bragg, a Union officer who later served in Congress and as a diplomat. This approach would allow the base to retain a connection to the Bragg name while avoiding honoring a Confederate leader.
The cost of renaming Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty was estimated at over $6 million by the commission, though Army officials argue the actual cost will be significantly lower. The state of North Carolina has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars changing highway and road signs near the base. While the renaming has been controversial, Fort Liberty remains one of the most important military installations in the country, home to the 82nd Airborne Division, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and other key units. The base covers over 170,000 acres and employs more than 55,000 military personnel and 12,000 civilians, with around 25,000 family members living on site.
The debate over Fort Liberty’s name underscores a broader cultural and political divide over how to handle Confederate symbols and historical legacies. Proponents of the change argue that it is a necessary step toward inclusivity and accountability, while opponents see it as a misguided attempt to erase history. As the Army considers its next steps, the fate of Fort Liberty’s name remains uncertain, reflecting the ongoing tension between honoring the past and embracing a more equitable future. The decision will likely have significant implications for the base’s identity and its place in the nation’s military heritage.
