Unusual precedent; Donald Trump may get US Navy carrier named after him, replacing Black war hero

The US Navy is working to strip a giant aircraft carrier of its name honoring a Black war hero, potentially renaming it after President Donald Trump, according to a CNN exclusive report.

During Trump's first term, the military announced the future vessel would be called the USS Doris Miller. This was to celebrate an enlisted Black sailor who bravely defended forces during the historic Pearl Harbor attack. However, CNN reported that three sources familiar with internal discussions said the Navy now plans to rename the vessel, currently called CVN-81. While it is unclear what the new name will be, the broadcaster reported that internal talks suggest naming it after Trump himself. It would be an unprecedented honor for a sitting president.

A Clash of Naval Traditions

Some former defense officials argue that aircraft carriers should strictly honor presidents, admirals, or battles. The shift comes amidst a Pentagon push under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to remove ship names chosen for diversity purposes. However, former Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, who first announced Miller's honor, defended the original decision. He told CNN: "one of our most powerful warships should bear the name of a sailor like Miller to bring greater attention to what makes our Navy so unique — and great." Modly added that naming ships after people like Miller highlights "the heroism, patriotism and sacrifices of all American sailors — not merely their commanders."

To balance this, CNN’s sources noted the Navy is recommending Miller for the Medal of Honor instead. They also plan to name a different warship after him. No official decision has been announced, but Navy chiefs are racing against time before the ship's public keel-laying ceremony later this year