Navy Considers Renaming Carrier Honoring Black Pearl Harbor Hero Doris Miller After Trump, Drawing Bipartisan Criticism

The Navy is internally discussing renaming a carrier meant to honor a Black Pearl Harbor hero after President Trump instead.

The US Navy is internally discussing renaming an aircraft carrier still under construction that was designated to honor Doris Miller, a Black sailor celebrated for his heroism during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, in order to name it after President Donald Trump instead. Three sources familiar with the discussions told CNN about the deliberations, though no final decision has been announced publicly. The USS Doris Miller would have been the first aircraft carrier named after both a Black sailor and an enlisted sailor — a historic distinction. The decision to name the carrier after Miller was originally made during Trump's first term. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a Democrat and retired Navy officer, has publicly criticized the reported consideration, saying the ship 'shouldn't be renamed at all.' The potential renaming would represent a significant reversal of the earlier commitment made under the same administration.

Why it matters

Aircraft carrier names carry substantial symbolic weight, and renaming a ship already dedicated to a specific war hero — particularly one recognized for extraordinary service — would be an unusual and historically notable step. The decision, if finalized, could affect how the military honors its historical figures and how such honors are allocated.

What's next

No formal announcement has been made; further reporting or an official Navy statement would clarify whether and when a renaming decision will be finalized.

Key facts

• The carrier is currently under construction and has not yet been commissioned
• It was previously named to honor a Black sailor recognized for heroic actions at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941
• The original naming was announced during Trump's first term in office
• Three anonymous sources familiar with internal Navy discussions told CNN about the potential renaming
• Trump is the reported alternative honoree under consideration
• No official Navy or administration statement has confirmed the discussions

Bias & framing notes

All four sources are the same CNN report republished by regional affiliates — there is effectively only one outlet and one reporting team behind this story. The framing emphasizes the racial identity of the original honoree and the contrast with Trump, which shapes the narrative even while remaining technically factual. No opposing viewpoint, official statement, or named source is included, and no rationale for the potential change is provided by the Navy or administration. The story rests entirely on anonymous sourcing.

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