The US military has reportedly spent millions of dollars maintaining Confederate monuments, according to a recent investigation. The findings have reignited debates over the role of such symbols in modern America and the use of taxpayer funds to preserve them.
Millions Wasted on Controversial Symbols
Documents obtained by The Independent show that the Department of Defense allocated substantial resources to upkeep monuments and base names honouring Confederate leaders. Critics argue these figures represent a painful legacy of slavery and segregation, making their preservation at public expense deeply contentious.
Hegseth's Controversial Defence
Fox News host Pete Hegseth sparked outrage by defending the expenditure, claiming the monuments are part of America's "shared history." His comments drew sharp rebukes from activists and lawmakers who view them as glorification of oppression.
Growing Pressure for Change
The revelation comes amid increasing calls to remove Confederate symbols from public spaces. Many military installations named after Confederate generals have already been redesignated, but this report suggests the process remains incomplete.
Key findings include:
- Over $40 million spent on Confederate monument maintenance since 2010
- At least 10 major military bases still bearing Confederate names
- Ongoing costs for preservation and security at these sites
The debate touches on broader questions about how nations memorialise controversial aspects of their past while moving toward reconciliation.
