URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just signed an executive order to officially rename the US Department of Defense as the “Department of War.” This monumental change revives a title that has not been used since 1949, a move that could reshape military perception in the United States.
This executive action, announced earlier today in the Oval Office, aligns with Trump’s broader initiative to rebrand the military, including plans for a grand military parade in Washington D.C. and restoring original military base names altered after the racial justice protests of 2020.
Trump stated, “It’s a very important change, because it’s an attitude. It’s really about winning,” emphasizing his push for a more aggressive military identity. The order will empower Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials to use titles such as “Secretary of War” in formal communications.
This dramatic renaming requires further legislative action to become permanent, a process that typically demands congressional approval. However, Trump hinted at bypassing Congress, despite his party’s slim majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Two Republican senators, Mike Lee and Rick Scott, along with Representative Greg Steube, introduced legislation today to support this renaming effort.
Hegseth, who has long advocated for this change, expressed enthusiasm at the signing ceremony, stating, “We’re going to go on the offence, not just on defence. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality.” He has reiterated that this name change signifies a shift toward a more combative military posture.
Historically, the term “Department of War” was replaced post-World War II to reflect a focus on conflict prevention during the nuclear age. Critics argue that reverting to the old title is not only costly but also diverts attention from more pressing military issues. Updating signs and materials across military installations worldwide could cost over $39 million, similar to an earlier effort by former President Joe Biden to rename nine bases linked to the Confederacy.
Despite the potential financial burden, Hegseth asserts that this change is about more than terminology; it embodies a “warrior ethos” aimed at enhancing military readiness and effectiveness.
This development is likely to provoke further discussions and debates within both political and military communities. As the situation evolves, observers will be keenly watching how this executive order impacts military policy and public perception in the coming days.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
