Navy carrier naming controversy
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The gist
US Navy reportedly plans to rename carrier CVN-81 from Doris Miller to Trump. The move would mark the first carrier named for a sitting president, sparking criticism.
Background
The USS Doris Miller was announced during Trump's first term to honor a Black sailor who heroically fought at Pearl Harbor. Recent reports say the Navy is considering renaming it after President Trump, which would be unprecedented for a sitting president. The renaming effort has been underway since earlier this year, and the Navy has stopped referring to the ship by its name internally.
How it unfolded
- 2025The Navy convened a renaming commission under former Secretary John Phelan to review naming policies.
- earlier this yearEffort to rename the USS Doris Miller has been underway, according to sources.
- Aug 20, 2026CNN reports the Navy is weighing renaming the carrier after Trump, citing three sources.
- Aug 21, 2026Multiple outlets pick up the story; criticism emerges from Senator Mark Kelly and others.
Who’s saying what
- Critics
- Senator Mark Kelly said the carrier shouldn't be renamed at all, let alone for Trump, who has denigrated servicemembers.
- Supporters
- Some argue a future carrier could be named after Trump with minimal controversy, as suggested by National Review.
Still unverified
The renaming is based on anonymous sources; the Navy has not officially confirmed the plan. It is unclear if another ship will be named after Miller instead.