The Trump administration has been accused of delivering a “slap in the face” to US military veterans after reports that a navy aircraft carrier set to honor a Black war hero may, instead, be named after Donald Trump.
The US navy had previously announced that the carrier under construction would be called the USS Doris Miller, in tribute to a sailor celebrated for his heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor in the second world war.
But the navy is now working to rename the carrier, CNN reported, citing three sources familiar with internal discussions. Two of those sources said there have been conversations about renaming it to honor Trump, according to the network.
“This is a slap in the face to every war hero and every service member who has worn the uniform,” said Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP civil rights group. “Doris Miller earned his place in American history through courage, sacrifice, and service,” added Johnson. “Donald Trump only wants to serve himself.