The US Navy is facing a growing controversy over reports that it may strip the name of Doris Miller, a celebrated Black World War II hero, from an aircraft carrier and instead name the ship after President Donald Trump.
The carrier had been named the USS Doris Miller in honor of one of the Navy's most celebrated Black servicemen of World War II. When the naming was first announced, Trump publicly praised the decision, though he remarked with apparent envy on the honor, saying of the vessel, that's a big ship, one day maybe.
Now, sources tell ABC News that Navy officials are weighing removing Miller's name from the ship and instead naming it for President Trump.
Such a step would be unprecedented in the history of the service. No US Navy vessel has ever been named for a sitting president.
The possibility has drawn sharp criticism. Miller's great-niece said stripping the name would send a painful message to all Black service members, describing it as almost like a stab in the heart. It kind of makes you wonder, are we good enough? Are we equal? she said.
Civil rights advocates have also condemned the idea, with the NAACP describing the prospect of removing Miller's name as a slap in the face to the legacy of a man long held up as a symbol of courage and service.
The White House referred ABC News' questions about the matter to the Pentagon, which did not respond. The Navy has not publicly confirmed any final decision on the ship's name, leaving Miller's family and supporters waiting for clarity.