Trump Changes ‘Department of Defence’ to ‘Department of War’

In a bold move, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order officially rebranding the “Department of Defence” as the “Department of War.” This dramatic renaming revives a historic title abandoned over seven decades ago. The Department of War was the original name of the agency, established in 1789 to oversee the Army, before being reorganized and renamed the Department of Defense in 1949 after World War II to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command. Trump criticized the existing “defensive” name as overly “woke,” arguing that “Department of War” better reflects America’s military strength and readiness in today’s global environment.

Although the executive order permits Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use titles like “Secretary of War” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in official communications, formal renaming requires congressional approval, which the administration is pursuing. The rebranding aims to restore what Trump and Hegseth call a “warrior ethos,” signaling a shift toward a more offensive military posture focused on clarity, victory, and maximum lethality. While the Pentagon’s structure and functions remain unchanged, this symbolic name change marks a significant political and cultural shift, sparking sharp debate over its implications and costs. Critics argue it glorifies war and wastes resources, while supporters praise it as a tribute to America’s historic military successes.