U.S. Navy Weighs Erasing Black Hero Doris Miller from Carrier Name to Potentially Honor Trump
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The Navy is reportedly considering stripping a new aircraft carrier of the name of Doris Miller, a Black World War II hero, in favor of honoring President Donald Trump, a move that has sparked outrage over erasing Black history in favor of a divisive political figure.
The U.S. Navy is currently evaluating whether to erase the name of Doris Miller, a Black sailor who heroically defended his ship during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, from a new aircraft carrier. Miller, who overcame systemic racism to serve his country and was awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary bravery, was set to be honored with the USS Doris Miller. Now, sources familiar with internal deliberations told CNN that the Navy is entertaining the idea of naming the vessel after President Donald Trump, a deeply polarizing figure whose administration was marked by attacks on civil rights and democratic norms.
Doris Miller, a mess attendant who was denied opportunities due to segregation but still managed to shoot down several Japanese bombers without formal weapons training, exemplified courage and resilience. His actions at Pearl Harbor, including saving a mortally wounded captain and operating a machine gun under fire, have long been celebrated by those seeking to recognize the overlooked contributions of Black Americans. Miller’s family and advocates have fought for decades to upgrade his Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor, a recognition still denied.
"No carrier in the U.S. Navy has ever been named for a sitting president," a Navy spokesperson said, underscoring the unprecedented and controversial nature of this potential decision, which would prioritize a recent political figure over a historic Black hero.
The discussion has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the morality and motivations behind replacing a long-overdue honor for a Black war hero with the name of a president whose legacy is mired in controversy and whose supporters have often sought to roll back the progress of marginalized communities.