Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used former names for U.S. military bases like Fort Bragg and Fort Benning while discussing efforts to remove “diversity, inclusion, and equity” (DEI) programs, focusing on warfighting.

These bases were renamed in 2021 due to their Confederate ties. Hegseth’s remarks align with President Trump’s executive orders to eliminate DEI from the military,

Trump is also challenging Biden’s climate policies with new orders to boost fossil fuel production, declare an “energy emergency,” and reverse Biden’s climate regulations, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.

His actions reflect a stronger commitment to energy independence.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked controversy after referring to U.S. military bases by their former names during a recent discussion on the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from the armed forces.

Hegseth, while emphasizing the importance of warfighting readiness, used the pre-2021 names of several military installations, including Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, which were renamed following their historical ties to the Confederacy. His comments align with the broader push from certain political figures, including former President Donald Trump, to eliminate DEI initiatives within the military.

The remarks came as Hegseth discussed efforts to shift focus back to core military objectives, arguing that DEI programs are distracting from critical warfighting capabilities. “The military should focus on being the best at fighting wars, not on social engineering,” Hegseth stated, continuing his criticism of what he calls a growing emphasis on diversity over military readiness.

The renaming of bases such as Fort Bragg and Fort Benning in 2021 was part of a larger movement to distance military institutions from the Confederacy’s legacy. These changes were widely seen as a step toward inclusivity, but they have since been a point of contention for conservative leaders and activists, including Hegseth.

Hegseth’s remarks resonate with the broader agenda of former President Trump, who had previously signed executive orders aimed at removing DEI programs from federal institutions, including the military. Under Trump’s administration, similar measures were enacted to curb the influence of DEI training, citing concerns over political correctness and the prioritization of social issues.

In other developments, former President Trump has also ramped up his criticism of President Biden’s climate policies. Trump has issued a series of new executive orders that seek to undo Biden’s climate regulations, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement once again and declaring a new “energy emergency” aimed at boosting U.S. fossil fuel production.

Trump argues that these actions are essential for maintaining energy independence and strengthening the country’s economic and strategic position on the global stage.

These moves from Hegseth and Trump illustrate a continued focus on reversing key policy initiatives from the Biden administration, particularly those centered on climate change and military reform. With 2024 elections on the horizon, both figures are positioning themselves as staunch defenders of conservative values, appealing to voters who prioritize traditional military and energy policies over progressive reforms.

As debates over DEI in the military and climate policy continue to dominate the political landscape, the tension between maintaining military readiness and addressing social issues is likely to remain a key point of contention in the months ahead.