Biden had changed Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty before the Trump administration changed it back.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.—President Donald Trump announced June 10 that he’s restoring the names of several military bases that were changed by President Joe Biden.
He made the remarks while addressing thousands of Army soldiers and their families during a day-long celebration of the military branch’s 250th anniversary at the Fort Bragg military installation.
Biden had changed the name of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty before the new administration changed it back shortly after Trump took office for a second time.
“Today we renew our devotion to liberty,” Trump told the crowd, which was filled with camouflage uniforms and maroon and green berets, symbolizing the paratroopers and elite special operations forces, respectively.
He highlighted newly announced pay raises across the board, said the government will upgrade housing for soldiers, and noted the role the Golden Dome missile defense system will play in protecting the nation.
The president applauded the “strongest recruiting numbers in the history of our country.”
He said the military might also play a role in quelling riots in California.
“L.A. is a trash heap with entire neighborhoods in the control of transnational gangs and criminal networks,” Trump said. “Very safely we will liberate Los Angeles.”
The president championed the military’s role in protecting the country from foreign invasion and said Americans are grateful for their commitment, voting him into office to bolster security.
“This is a mandate from the people to restore the sovereign borders of the United States,” Trump said. “We will not stand deterred.”
Before the president spoke, he observed a series of military exercises and rocket demonstrations in a field a few miles away from the main stage.
A convoy of C-17 and C-130 aircraft dropped 600 paratroopers overhead, while drones and ground exercises took place below.
Simulated enemy movements were met with swift responses from a series of strike teams, with live video shown to the crowd on large screens around the stage.
Long-range artillery, including howitzers, shook the ground and filled the sky with smoke as they were fired.
Trump entered the stage to a 21-gun salute from cannons near where he spoke.
One paratrooper in attendance said he joined the Army to pursue his education and will soon receive his bachelor’s degree with the aid of tuition assistance benefits. He said he has gained valuable real-world experience in the process.
“At 18 years old, I moved to Germany, and for the first three years of my adult life, I saw the world,” Staff Sgt. Joseph Johnson-Welp, 24, of the 82nd Airborne Division, told The Epoch Times. “For those thinking about joining … it will change your life.”
As a leader in his division, he expressed deep pride in the team.
“I’ve never had better soldiers,” Johnson-Welp said.
Brian Oakes, Army specialist in the 82nd Airborne Division, gunner on the M-777A2 howitzer, and team leader, told The Epoch Times he joined the military to launch his career.
“I love it. I’ve never not loved it. I just re-enlisted yesterday to be a paratrooper for another four years,” Oakes said.
“I love jumping out of planes. I love serving my country.”
He encouraged those considering joining the armed forces to take the leap, noting the personal growth and development he’s encountered while serving.
“Just do it,” Oakes said. “You’re going to meet people and go through training and experiences that you’ll never go through in any other job.
Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, thanked the soldiers for their service and vowed to support them through a renewed commitment to traditional military values.
“We’re restoring our warrior ethos to the basics,” he said. “We’re not a woke university.”
Hegseth also announced raises for paratroopers last month during a trip to the base.
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