On January 3, 2023, during a live broadcast covering a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, several journalists mistakenly referred to Pete Hegseth as the “secretary of war.” Hegseth, who is actually the secretary of defense, leads the Department of Defense. The title “secretary of war” was assigned by President Donald Trump through an executive order, but it requires Congressional approval to become official. Until such a change occurs, media outlets like NPR are advised to adhere to traditional titles.
The confusion arose as NPR’s coverage evolved amidst breaking news. With three journalists mistakenly using the term during the live program, the question of language and its implications became prominent. While some listeners urged NPR to embrace the new language, others expressed concern about the potential political ramifications of such changes. The debate reflects a broader issue regarding how media outlets should respond to the evolving language introduced by political leaders.
Media Standards and Language Adaptation
NPR has established guidelines recommending the use of “defense secretary” and “Department of Defense,” indicating that “Department of War” is a secondary title used by the president. Tony Cavin, managing editor for standards at NPR, emphasized the importance of clarity for the audience. He stated that journalists should be cautious when navigating new titles and strive to avoid political bias in their reporting.
During the live coverage, host Daniel Estrin and senior correspondents Greg Myre and Franco Ordoñez alluded to Hegseth’s title interchangeably. This blend of terminology reflected the fast-paced nature of the broadcast, where the public sought immediate information on the situation in Venezuela. Cavin noted that journalists should ensure legal accuracy while informing the public.
Beyond the military realm, Trump’s administration has sought to reshape language in various contexts. For instance, the Gulf of Mexico has been referred to as the Gulf of America, and the Kennedy Center has been rebranded as the Trump-Kennedy Center. Similarly, Denali, the highest mountain in North America, has reverted to its previous designation, Mount McKinley. Linguist John McWhorter highlighted that such renaming often stems from political ideologies. He argues that changes should emerge organically rather than being imposed from above.
Navigating Language in Journalism
In response to these shifts, NPR has opted to retain “Gulf of Mexico,” adhering to guidance from the Associated Press, which recognizes it as an international body of water. For the performing arts center, NPR continues to use the name Kennedy Center while a legal challenge regarding the name change is pending. With regard to Mount McKinley, the mountain’s name remains in flux, officially reinstated by Trump but previously recognized as Denali.
Journalists face the challenge of balancing clarity and accuracy while navigating the complexities of evolving language. NPR aims to employ terms that resonate with the public while also providing context when alternative names are introduced. Cavin remarked that the goal is to ensure communication remains clear and unambiguous.
Public discourse regarding language and its implications has heightened, with concerns about the potential for “Orwellian language” to obscure meaning. In a recent address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of language as a foundation for freedom of speech and expression.
As NPR and other media organizations grapple with these changes, it is crucial for them to establish standards that prioritize the public’s understanding. By focusing on familiar terms and offering explanations for new references, journalists can continue to inform audiences effectively while navigating the shifting landscape of political language.
