Trump Rebrands Pentagon: Department of Defense to Be Dubbed ‘Department of War’

Washington, D.C., September 5, 2025 – In a dramatic move aimed at projecting greater strength, President Donald Trump has announced an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War. The shift, though largely symbolic for now, will allow senior officials to use the title “Department of War” in official correspondence, public communications, and ceremonial events.

The White House said the change “conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve” and better reflects America’s determination to defend its national interests. Trump, who has repeatedly argued that the current name sounds too “defensive,” declared, “When it was called the Department of War, we won World War I, we won World War II, we won everything. Then we changed it, and we stopped winning.”

Under the executive order, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will now be authorized to style himself as Secretary of War, while other senior officials may use corresponding “war” titles. The order also instructs Hegseth to recommend both executive and legislative measures that could permanently enshrine the new name into law.

A Nod to History

The Department of War was established in 1789 and oversaw U.S. land forces until a sweeping reorganization after World War II. In 1947, the military branches were brought under the National Military Establishment, which was renamed the Department of Defense in 1949. Trump and Hegseth argue that reviving the older title restores a “warrior ethos” and signals to adversaries that America is prepared to take decisive action.

Divisive Rebrand

The move has already stirred sharp debate. Supporters within Trump’s base see it as a necessary assertion of strength at a time of global instability, while critics call it a costly distraction. Military analysts point out that the Pentagon could face millions in expenses to update signs, stationary, and digital systems to reflect the new label.

Democratic lawmakers have also questioned the wisdom of prioritizing symbolic changes over issues like force readiness, modernization, and support for service members. “Renaming a department doesn’t deter China or Russia,” one senior lawmaker remarked.

What Happens Next

For now, the rebrand remains a secondary title—Congress would need to pass legislation to formally rename the Pentagon. With Republicans holding a majority, Trump may seek to push the change through Capitol Hill, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Secretary Hegseth is expected to begin implementing the shift immediately in internal communications, ceremonies, and Pentagon briefings. The administration says the effort is part of a broader campaign to “restore strength and tradition” in the U.S. military, reversing what it calls “decades of weakness and woke policies.”

Trump’s decision to revive the Department of War name marks one of the most striking symbolic changes in the Pentagon’s history. Whether it becomes permanent or remains a rhetorical gesture will depend on the political battles now brewing in Washington.