‘Faithful Patriot’ name for show of force at border is dropped

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has directed U.S. military commanders to stop calling the deployment of active-duty troops to the southern border “Operation Faithful Patriot,” a name derided by critics as overtly political while President Donald Trump played up the mission in stumping for Republican candidates.

The decision was acknowledged Wednesday but it was not immediately clear what name the military operation may ultimately take instead.

A Pentagon spokesman said that simply referring to the military operation as “border support” is a “more accurate description” because the Department of Homeland Security is overseeing it.

The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which said the directive was issued by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis’ office on Election Day.