The recent military operation involving the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has led to a notable shift in the terminology used by media outlets, particularly at NPR. During the January 3, 2023, coverage of the operation, several NPR journalists mistakenly referred to Pete Hegseth as the “secretary of war,” a title that President Donald Trump informally designated through an executive order. The formal title remains “secretary of defense,” which is the recognized designation until an official change is enacted by Congress.
NPR has established guidelines to navigate this evolving linguistic landscape. The organization advises its journalists to use “defense secretary” and “Department of Defense,” while acknowledging the president’s new title as a secondary reference. This approach aims to maintain clarity and uphold journalistic integrity amidst a politically charged environment. Listeners have expressed mixed reactions, with some urging NPR to embrace the term “war secretary,” while others believe it undermines journalistic standards.
Navigating New Terminology
According to Tony Cavin, managing editor for standards at NPR, the organization prioritizes two main principles: clarity for the audience and legal accuracy. Cavin noted, “The main rule is if it becomes something that almost anybody of any stripe is saying, then that’s how language changes.” This perspective leads NPR to frequently refer to the Pentagon or similar terminology to avoid taking sides politically.
During the live coverage, confusion arose as Hegseth was referred to as “secretary of war” by host Daniel Estrin and senior correspondents Greg Myre and Franco Ordoñez. While some instances of the formal title were used, the rapid pace of the broadcast contributed to the mix-up. NPR’s decision to adopt a dual reference strategy—in which both titles can be mentioned—enables clearer communication with the audience.
As Trump continues to reshape language surrounding various institutions, this incident is not isolated. He has also attempted to rename other prominent entities, such as designating the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and the Kennedy Center as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” His administration’s efforts to rename Mount McKinley back to its previous title, Denali, further illustrate this trend.
Implications of Linguistic Changes
Linguist John McWhorter emphasizes the implications of such language changes, suggesting they reflect an attempt to impose a political ideology. He argues that coercive language changes rarely succeed, with enduring changes arising organically from public consensus. Historical attempts, such as the short-lived renaming of French fries to “freedom fries,” serve as cautionary examples.
In this context, NPR has adhered to the Associated Press guidance by continuing to refer to the Gulf as the Gulf of Mexico, citing its status as an international body of water. The Kennedy Center is presently referred to by its original name pending ongoing legal disputes regarding the name change. Similarly, Mount McKinley remains officially designated as such due to Trump’s executive order, although the National Park retains its designation as Denali.
The discussion around these linguistic shifts raises important questions about the role of journalists in shaping public discourse. As Pope Leo XIV recently articulated, clarity in language is vital for freedom of expression in a democracy. He warned against the dangers of “Orwellian language,” which can obscure meaning and hinder communication.
In conclusion, NPR’s careful consideration of language reflects a broader struggle within journalism to balance political neutrality with the need for clear reporting. By prioritizing widely recognized terminology while acknowledging evolving titles, news organizations can navigate these changes without compromising their integrity. As language continues to evolve, it will be essential for journalists to remain vigilant in ensuring that communication remains clear and meaningful for all audiences.
