Trump Vows to Veto Defense Act If It Includes Changes to the Names of US Military Bases

President Donald Trump is vowing to veto the $740 billion Defense Authorization bill if it includes an amendment by Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s (D-Mass.) calling for the renaming of military bases honoring the Confederacy.

In a series of tweets shared on Tuesday night, Trump doubled down on his disapproval of removing commemorative assets honoring the Confederacy. The president also tweeted a racially-charged message targetting Warren and her amendment.

He tweeted, “I will Veto the Defense Authorization Bill if the Elizabeth ‘Pocahontas’ Warren (of all people!) Amendment, which will lead to the renaming (plus other bad things!) of Fort Bragg, Fort Robert E. Lee, and many other Military Bases from which we won Two World Wars, is in the Bill!”

Hours later, Trump shared another series of tweets. After targeting the media, the president weighed in on the controversy surrounding the alleged Russian bounties before pivoting back to the legal battle surrounding the Confederacy.

The president noted the steps he has taken to preserve the monuments and statues.

Trump tweeted, “My Executive Order to protect Monuments, Statues etc., IS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT. In excess of a 10-year prison term. Please do not put yourself in jeopardy. Many people now under arrest!”

In the tweets, the president has expressed disapproval of the name changes as he claimed the base names are part of the United States’ legacy and its victory in World War II. However, it is important to note that the names of the bases are actually a reflection of the generals and commanders who fought and lost the Civil War, a battle over the right to own slaves.

Trump’s latest remarks come less than one week after Warren noted her request to expedite the renaming process. Her call would require renaming to be complete within the next year instead of the initial three-year timeline, as previously reported on IJR.

At the time, Warren said, “Senate Democrats are putting forward legislation to change the names of our bases and other military assets within one year because we need to stop honoring this ugly legacy immediately.”