Trump Seeks to Rebrand Department of Defense as “Department of War”

President Donald Trump is moving ahead with a controversial plan to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, reviving the name once used by the United States military establishment. The move, set to be enacted through an executive order, would allow the Pentagon to adopt the historic title in symbolic and official communications, even as a full legal change would require an act of Congress.

According to reporting by Axios and other outlets, the executive order also permits Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be referred to as “Secretary of War.” The White House has defended the decision as a way of emphasizing a “warrior ethos” and presenting America’s armed forces as a symbol of strength and readiness.

The Department of War was created in 1789 and existed until the passage of the National Security Act of 1947, which paved the way for the Department of Defense to be formally established in 1949. Trump’s decision would mark the first time in more than 75 years that the United States has officially embraced the “War” title in federal government.

Supporters of the change, including Hegseth himself, argue that it represents more than just a shift in language, calling it a restoration of clarity about the military’s true purpose. Critics, however, contend that the move is little more than a costly distraction. Updating signage, stationery, digital systems, uniforms, and other branding across the U.S. military could cost tens of millions of dollars, with some estimates suggesting the expense might eventually reach into the billions.

Reactions have been swift. Allies of the president see the rebranding as part of a broader effort to strengthen America’s military image and restore historic traditions. Opponents warn that the rhetoric could undermine diplomacy and project a more aggressive posture to the rest of the world at a delicate time for global security.

The initiative reflects a broader pattern within Trump’s administration to reshape longstanding names and symbols. As the president prepares to sign the executive order, Congress will face the decision of whether to enshrine the change permanently in law, setting the stage for what could become a heated debate over the nation’s military identity.