President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename the US Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” restoring a title that was in use until 1949. This decision aims to redefine the military’s role and reflect a more aggressive stance on national defense. The rebranding follows Trump’s broader strategy to reshape perceptions of the US military, which includes a controversial military parade in Washington, D.C., and the restoration of original names for military bases that were altered following racial justice protests in 2020.
The executive order grants Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials authority to use alternative titles such as “Secretary of War” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in both official communications and public statements. In a signing ceremony at the Oval Office, Trump remarked, “It’s a very important change, because it’s an attitude. It’s really about winning.” The directive also instructs Hegseth to recommend legislative and executive actions necessary to make the name change permanent.
Political Implications and Legislative Challenges
Changing the department’s name is not a straightforward process, as it typically requires congressional approval. Trump has questioned whether such approval is necessary, despite the narrow Republican majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. On the same day as Trump’s announcement, Republican senators Mike Lee of Utah and Rick Scott of Florida, along with Representative Greg Steube of Florida, introduced legislation aimed at formalising the change.
Hegseth, who was introduced by Trump as the Secretary of War, praised the decision, asserting that it reflects a shift towards a more offensive military posture. He stated, “We’re going to go on the offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality.”
The Department of Defense has historically been called the War Department until the post-World War II era, when Congress aimed to consolidate military branches in a new context defined by nuclear capabilities. Historians note that the name change was intended to signify a focus on conflict prevention in the modern age.
Costs and Criticisms of the Name Change
The move to rename the department comes with significant logistical and financial implications. Updating official documents, signage, and letterheads used by military officials and installations worldwide is expected to incur substantial costs. A previous attempt by former President Joe Biden to rename nine military bases that honoured Confederate figures was projected to cost $39 million (approximately $60 million AUD), highlighting the financial burden associated with such changes.
Critics have raised concerns that the name change is not only costly but also diverts attention from other pressing issues within the Pentagon. Hegseth countered these criticisms by stating that the name change is “not just about words — it’s about the warrior ethos,” suggesting a deeper cultural shift within the military.
As the implications of this executive order unfold, the response from Congress and military officials will be closely monitored, particularly regarding its potential impact on military strategy and public perception of the armed forces.
