The Trump administration is deliberating a potential reversal of a naval honor that the president himself once celebrated, according to a report published Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Officials are considering removing the name of Doris Miller, an African American war hero, from the USS Doris Miller aircraft carrier. The deliberation represents a notable shift from President Trump's earlier position, as he had publicly commended the naming decision during his first term in the White House.
The potential renaming raises questions about the administration's approach to military honors and historical recognition. Doris Miller earned his place in American military history through acts of valor, and the decision to name an aircraft carrier after him marked a significant moment in naval tradition.
Aircraft carriers represent some of the most prestigious vessels in the United States Navy fleet, and their names typically honor presidents, military leaders, and distinguished service members. The naming of the USS Doris Miller broke with certain naval conventions and was viewed as an important step in recognizing the contributions of African American service members.
The administration has not yet announced a final decision on whether to proceed with the renaming. The deliberation comes as the Trump administration reviews various military policies and traditions established in recent years.
Any decision to rename the vessel would require formal action and could generate significant public debate given the historical importance of the original designation and the president's previous support for the honor.
