United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” a move that revives a title last used in the 1940s.
According to the text of the order, the change is intended to “project strength and resolve” at a time of heightened global insecurity.
A Historic Name Restored
The War Department was first created in 1789 under President George Washington and existed until 1947, when it was reorganized into the Department of Defense to reflect a post-war emphasis on security and deterrence.
President Trump argued that the old name better reflects America’s military posture.
“I think it’s a much more appropriate name in light of where the world is right now. It sends a message of victory,” the president said at the White House signing ceremony.
The order also directs Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to assume the title of Secretary of War and to work with Congress on making the change permanent.
“Words Matter” – Hegseth
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Hegseth defended the move as more than symbolic.
“This name change is not just about renaming, it’s about restoring. Words matter. We’re going to go on offence, not just on defence. We’re going to raise up warriors, not just defenders,” he said.
The Pentagon’s website was quickly updated late Friday, displaying “U.S. Department of War” under the new domain war.gov.
Opposition Voices
While Republicans close to the president welcomed the rebranding as a show of American strength, opposition Democrats sharply criticized the decision.
Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey described it as “a childish idea,” adding that Americans are more interested in preventing wars than “touting them.”
Analysts also note that rebranding the massive U.S. military bureaucracy could run into billions of dollars, with costs linked to redesigning emblems, documents, email addresses, and uniforms.
Congressional Approval Needed
Under U.S. law, the creation and renaming of executive departments rests with Congress.
President Trump has said he is confident lawmakers will support the initiative, though political observers predict heated debates in the coming months.
The rebranding revives a title associated with America’s major military victories in the First and Second World Wars, but critics say it could signal a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy stance at a time of fragile global peace.