Trump Moves to Rename Pentagon: ‘Department of War’ to Replace ‘Defense’
In a dramatic rebranding effort, President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order to begin renaming the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” reviving a title not used since 1947.
According to the executive order, the change is intended to “project strength and resolve,” reflecting a shift in tone from one of defense to one of offense. The new name will be used as a secondary title for now, while the administration seeks congressional approval to make the change permanent.
“I think it’s a much more appropriate name, in light of where the world is right now,” Trump said during the Oval Office signing ceremony. “It sends a message of victory.”
The Department of Defense, which oversees the U.S. military and national security operations, was originally called the War Department from its founding in 1789 until its reorganization in 1947. Trump’s order marks the most significant symbolic shift in the Pentagon’s identity in decades.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, appointed earlier this year, will now be referred to as the Secretary of War under the new designation. Speaking at the signing, Hegseth said the change is “not just about renaming, it’s about restoring.”
“Words matter,” Hegseth said. “We’re going to go on offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. We’re going to raise up warriors, not just defenders.”
The White House has not released an estimate for the cost of the rebrand, but analysts predict expenses could exceed $1 billion due to the need to update agency materials, signage, uniforms, digital infrastructure, and communications systems across the military.
Critics have already begun to question the message such a name change sends at home and abroad, while supporters argue it better reflects current U.S. military posture.
The administration is expected to introduce legislation to Congress in the coming weeks to formalize the change.
