Tri-Caucus Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Rename Nine Army Installations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus—Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)— released the following joint statement:

“The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus condemn President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s orders to revert nine Army bases back to names reminiscent of Confederate leaders.  

“In 2020, President Trump vetoed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act over language that required the Department of Defense to rename Confederate-named military installations based on recommendations provided by the bipartisan Naming Commission.  

“In August 2022, the Naming Commission recommended new names for nine Army bases: Ft. Moore, Ft. Liberty, Ft. Eisenhower, Ft. Walker, Ft. Cavazos, Ft. Gregg-Adams, Ft. Barfoot, Ft. Johnson, and Ft. Novosel. These new names reflect the values and virtues of our nation’s communities, military, and mission.  

“In 2023, President Biden implemented those recommendations. Now, the Trump Administration is vindictively reinstating the Confederate legacy by renaming bases with similar names. By using a loophole, they are bringing back the names that honor secessionists who sought to preserve slavery and white supremacy. It’s a facade, and we all see right through it.  

“The Naming Commission used a merit-based process to select the names, noting their accomplishments and determination. Often, these heroes were fighting for a country that did not fight for them. These men and women were competent, commissioned leaders, and fighters, who sacrificed so much for the greater good. This is an insult to their hard-earned accomplishments. 

“The Trump Administration is trying to erase our heroes’ history, but their legacies will live far past any attempt to whitewash or erase their contributions to our country. These men and women bravely served our country and broke through barriers that paved the way for the heroes that would follow. No president can change that.”