The U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent think tank, has been renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace by the Trump administration, with the president’s name prominently displayed. This rebranding, intended to honor Trump’s dealmaking abilities, has sparked legal battles over the agency’s control. Amidst these disputes, the institute has faced significant funding cuts and staff reductions, with a final court ruling on its future pending. Critics have condemned the renaming as ironic, given the administration’s actions and potential impact on the organization’s mission.
Read More
The Trump administration moves forward on plans to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, a move that, to put it mildly, has sparked a lot of reactions. It’s a change that, at face value, seems to be a straightforward renaming, but the implications and the context surrounding it are, let’s just say, complicated.
First off, the practicalities of such a change are pretty significant. Think about all the signage, the stationery, the websites, the official documents – everything would need to be updated. It’s going to be a costly undertaking, and as some have pointed out, those costs will likely be borne by taxpayers.… Continue reading
President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to rename the Department of Defense back to the Department of War, as it was known before 1949. Trump cited a preference for the historical connotations and a perceived emphasis on offense. The renaming idea, previously considered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was discussed during an Oval Office event and a formal announcement is expected in the coming weeks. Critics suggest that the change could alter perceptions of the department’s role, particularly in domestic missions.
Read More
Proposals to rename the Kennedy Center and its opera house after President Trump and Melania Trump face legal challenges, as the center’s founding legislation prohibits renaming facilities beyond the Eisenhower Theater. A Republican amendment to rename the opera house after Melania Trump has been proposed, but would require congressional approval to become law. The former president has shown increased interest in the arts, including ordering different programming and installing portraits of himself and the first lady. Trump’s actions also included replacing the board, and removing all references to diversity, equity and inclusion from the Kennedy Center’s website.
Read More
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, strongly opposes the renaming of US military bases that honored Confederate generals, calling the effort a politically motivated attack on military tradition. He has repeatedly stated his intention to reverse the name changes, a move requiring congressional approval. Hegseth’s views align with Trump’s, who also vehemently opposed the renaming. This stance is part of a broader rejection by incoming Trump officials of what they see as overly progressive cultural policies within the military.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood