On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This was just the beginning of a series of controversial name changes that reflect his administration’s bold approach to national identity and military policy. Most recently, Trump signed another executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, a move that has drawn significant attention and criticism.
The name change, which requires Congressional approval for it to be official, has resulted in a tangible shift in rhetoric from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth announced the new direction during a press briefing, stating, “We’re going to go on offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality.” His comments align with Trump’s aggressive stance on military matters and his ongoing “war on woke” narrative, which he has linked directly to the rebranding of the department.
Changing the name of the department could incur costs exceeding $1 billion, affecting signage and seals across numerous military facilities both domestically and internationally. While the expense may seem trivial compared to the department’s overall budget, it raises questions about the prioritization of funding, especially as the Pentagon’s 2026 budget exceeds $1 trillion. Securing Congressional support for a Department of War, particularly in light of Trump’s campaign pledges to reduce US involvement in foreign conflicts, may present a political challenge.
Implications of the Name Change
The implications of transforming the Department of Defense into the Department of War extend beyond mere semantics. This shift invites scrutiny regarding the administration’s military strategy and domestic policies. Critics argue that the rebranding signals a more aggressive military posture, potentially increasing tensions both at home and abroad.
Trump has drawn a direct connection between this new approach and his policies in urban centers, posting an AI-generated image depicting Chicago under military attack with the caption: “Chicago [is] about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” This rhetoric resonates with right-wing influencers who have called for civil unrest in response to social and political issues, following the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
The administration has already mobilized National Guard troops in cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., with plans to extend these deployments to Memphis and potentially Chicago. Such actions have raised alarms among civil rights advocates, who view them as a troubling escalation of federal authority in domestic affairs.
Concerns About Civil Unrest
The potential for increased civil unrest is compounded by Trump’s rhetoric. In response to a question from a Fox News host about national unity, he labeled “the radicals on the left” as a significant threat, asserting that they are “vicious” and “horrible.” This characterization is likely to exacerbate divisions within the country, as it positions dissenters as adversaries rather than fellow citizens.
Trump’s comments regarding law enforcement further heighten concerns. He has suggested that police officers should act without restraint, stating, “Do whatever you want. You do whatever the hell you want.” Such statements have raised alarms about the potential for excessive force during protests and other civil disturbances.
As the administration navigates this controversial rebranding of the military establishment, the intersection of policy, public perception, and political realities will play a critical role in determining the future of US military engagement and civil rights. The consequences of these changes may resonate far beyond the Pentagon, affecting American society and governance for years to come.
