Reports indicate the US Navy is considering renaming an aircraft carrier, previously slated to honor Black war hero Doris Miller, after Donald Trump. This potential change has drawn criticism from lawmakers and advocates.
The potential renaming of a naval vessel intended to honor a significant historical figure, particularly a Black war hero, for a sitting president raises questions about political influence over military traditions and historical commemoration.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering renaming a US Navy aircraft carrier, initially designated to honor Black war hero Doris Miller, after Donald Trump. The navy had previously announced the carrier under construction would be named USS Doris Miller, in tribute to Miller's celebrated heroism during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller, a navy cook, reportedly shot down multiple Japanese bombers and was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions. He died at sea in 1943. Reports citing three sources familiar with internal discussions suggest that conversations have taken place about renaming the vessel to honor Trump. This potential change has drawn criticism, with Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona stating that the carrier should not be renamed at all, and certainly not for Trump, whom he accused of denigrating servicemembers. No US Navy carrier has previously been named for a sitting president.