President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to officially rename the US Department of Defense as the “Department of War.” This change marks a return to the title that was in use until 1949, when officials aimed to emphasize the Pentagon’s role in conflict prevention following World War II. This latest move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to rebrand the US military.
At a ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “It’s a very important change, because it’s an attitude. It’s really about winning.” The executive order empowers Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials to adopt secondary titles such as “Secretary of War” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in their official correspondence and public communications.
Political Implications of the Name Change
Trump’s initiative also indicates a shift in how the military engages domestically. It follows his controversial decisions to create military zones along the southern border with Mexico and deploy troops in major cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Critics argue that the renaming is not only costly but serves as an unnecessary distraction for the Pentagon.
The process of renaming a federal department is rare and typically requires congressional approval. Although Trump questioned the necessity of Congressional consent, he faces a slim Republican majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. On July 7, 2025, Republican senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott, along with Representative Greg Steube, introduced legislation to formalize the name change.
Defense Secretary Hegseth, who has long advocated for this shift, expressed enthusiasm during the announcement. “We’re going to go on the offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality,” he said, highlighting a more aggressive military posture.
Historical Context and Financial Considerations
The Department of Defense was known as the War Department until 1949, a change that reflected a post-World War II focus on conflict prevention in the nuclear age. Changing the name back could impose significant financial burdens, as it would necessitate updates to signs, letterheads, and other materials used by officials at the Pentagon and military installations worldwide.
In a recent effort, former President Joe Biden aimed to rename nine bases that honored Confederate leaders, which was projected to cost the Army $39 million (approximately $60 million AUD). Hegseth had previously reversed Biden’s initiative earlier in 2025. Critics maintain that the planned name change could divert attention from pressing military issues and concerns.
While supporters view the renaming as a reinstatement of the warrior ethos, opponents argue that it prioritizes symbolism over substance. The implications of this executive order will likely unfold in the coming months as the administration moves forward with the rebranding effort.
