Right Media Miss

Democrats hammer Hegseth over restoring Confederate names of military bases



This story is a Media Miss by the right as only 13% is from right-leaning media.

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During a June 18, 2025, hearing in Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth justified the decision to reinstate the names of military bases originally named after Confederate figures. Following a 2020 congressional directive to remove Confederate names from military bases, Hegseth asserted that both veterans and personnel currently serving requested the Trump administration to restore these original designations.

Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., criticized Hegseth, disputing veterans’ support and condemning the restoration as honoring Confederate traitors who opposed the United States. Hegseth stated that directives will be issued shortly to the bases to revert their names to the originals, while Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, Ark., welcomed the decision as a restoration of tradition and described the 2020 renamings as a result of “Jacobin fever.”


The debate underscores persistent divisions over military heritage and race, with implications for Army morale and continued political tensions regarding Department of Defense leadership.

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Key points from the Left

  • A congressional hearing featured Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashing with Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, who criticized his performance and called him an 'unqualified yes man.'
  • Duckworth accused Hegseth of wasting military resources and engaging in dangerous behavior by sharing classified information sent over the app Signal, which she claimed risked service members' lives.
  • During the hearing, Senator Elissa Slotkin questioned Hegseth about military authority in using lethal force against protesters, referencing previous comments from former Secretary Mark Esper.
  • Hegseth defended his actions and the military's budget, stating there was 'zero indication that an order was given to shoot protesters.

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Key points from the Center

  • During a June 18, 2025 hearing in Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth justified the decision to reinstate the names of military bases originally named after Confederate figures.
  • Following a 2020 congressional directive to remove Confederate names from military bases, Hegseth asserted that both veterans and personnel currently serving requested the Trump administration to restore these original designations.
  • Senators Tammy Duckworth and Tim Kaine criticized Hegseth, disputing veterans' support and condemning the restoration as honoring Confederate traitors who opposed the United States.
  • Hegseth stated that directives will be issued shortly to the bases to revert their names to the originals, while Republican Senator Tom Cotton welcomed the decision as a restoration of tradition and described the 2020 renamings as a result of "Jacobin fever."
  • The debate underscores persistent divisions over military heritage and race, with implications for Army morale and continued political tensions regarding Defense Department leadership.

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Key points from the Right

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee about troop deployments in Los Angeles, defending actions taken in response to immigration protests.
  • Hegseth confirmed plans for potential troop deployments to additional U.S. Cities, stating the administration would not illegally deploy troops.
  • Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Hegseth on whether he would deploy troops to cities like Chicago and New York despite objections from local leaders, highlighting concerns over military actions.
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed alarm about the use of active-duty troops in civilian situations, stating there should be concern about both Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and the legality of troop deployment.

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