Trump Moves to Rebrand Department of Defense as ‘Department of War’

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September 5, 2025
10:42 am

In a dramatic move that has sparked wide debate, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the rebranding of the Department of Defense as the “Department of War.” The White House announced the decision on Thursday, describing it as an effort to “project strength” in global affairs.

Revival of a Historic Name

Although the legal title of the department remains unchanged, Trump’s directive allows senior officials to use terms like “Secretary of War” in official correspondence, public statements, and executive branch documents. Trump, 79, emphasized that the new title reflects America’s military readiness, noting that the term “Department of War” was in use when the U.S. secured victories in World War I and World War II.

The Message Behind the Change

According to a White House document, the shift aims to convey “a stronger message of readiness and resolve” while signaling to adversaries America’s willingness to wage war to protect its interests. Trump has long argued that “Department of Defense” sounded “too defensive” and failed to fully capture the nation’s global military posture.

Historical Context

The Department of War was one of the earliest federal institutions, overseeing U.S. land forces before its reorganization in 1949. It was during that restructuring, after World War II, that the Pentagon adopted its current name—the Department of Defense—reflecting a shift toward a broader national security framework.

Pentagon Under New Leadership

This development comes as part of broader changes at the Pentagon under Trump’s appointee, Pete Hegseth. A Fox News host and combat veteran, Hegseth has prioritized restoring what he calls a “warrior ethos.” His leadership has also seen the rollback of several Obama-era policies, including efforts to integrate transgender service members and rename military bases linked to Confederate figures.

Looking Ahead

While the rebranding can be reversed by a future president, Trump’s order instructs the “Secretary of War” to seek legislative and executive steps toward making the name change permanent. Whether this rebrand will endure beyond Trump’s term remains uncertain, but the move clearly signals his administration’s intent to redefine how America projects military strength on the global stage.

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