On September 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the United States Department of Defense to the Department of War as a secondary title. This decision has sparked discussions across the nation and beyond. But why did this change happen, and what does it mean? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
A Look Back: The History of the Name
The U.S. Department of War was first created in 1789 under President George Washington. It was responsible for managing the Army and, for a time, naval affairs. The name "Department of War" was used for over 150 years, during which the U.S. fought in major conflicts like the War of 1812, the Civil War, and both World Wars.
After World War II, in 1947, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act. This law combined the Department of War, the Department of the Navy, and the newly created Department of the Air Force into one organization called the National Military Establishment. In 1949, this was renamed the Department of Defense to reflect a focus on preventing wars, especially in the new era of nuclear threats. The word "defense" was chosen to signal peace and protection rather than aggression.
Why Change the Name Back?
President Trump and his administration believe the name "Department of War" sends a stronger message. Trump has said that the U.S. had a history of winning wars under the old name, pointing to victories in World War I and World War II. He has called the current name, "Department of Defense," too "politically correct" and focused only on defense, not offense. He wants the military to project strength and readiness to fight, if needed.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports this change, saying it’s about restoring a "warrior ethos." He argues that the name "Department of War" reflects a military that is prepared to win decisively, not just defend or engage in long conflicts. The administration also sees the name change as a way to move away from what they call "woke" policies, like diversity programs, and focus on military strength.
The executive order allows the Department of Defense to use "Department of War" as a secondary title in official documents, communications, and ceremonies. For example, the Pentagon’s website has been updated to war.gov, and signs outside Defense Secretary Hegseth’s office now read "Secretary of War." However, making the name change permanent requires approval from Congress, as the Department of Defense was established by law. Some Republican lawmakers, like Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott, have introduced bills to support the change, but it’s unclear if Congress will fully approve it.
Changing the name of a massive organization like the Department of Defense is not simple. It involves updating everything from signs and stationery to websites, uniforms, and email addresses. Experts estimate this could cost hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars. For comparison, renaming just nine military bases in the past cost about $39 million. Critics argue that this money could be better spent on military equipment or personnel.
There’s also debate about what the name change means for America’s image. The name "Department of Defense" was chosen after World War II to show the U.S. as a nation focused on peace and preventing wars. Some worry that "Department of War" could make the U.S. seem more aggressive, especially at a time when tensions with countries like China and Russia are rising.
Supporters of the change, including Trump and Hegseth, say it’s a return to a proud history and a way to make the military’s mission clear: to be ready to fight and win. They believe the name inspires confidence and strength.
Critics, however, argue that the change is unnecessary and costly. They point out that the Department of Defense already handles both defensive and offensive military operations, so the name change doesn’t add anything new. Some also say it could send the wrong message to allies and adversaries, suggesting the U.S. is more focused on fighting than peacekeeping.
For now, "Department of War" is a secondary title, and the legal name remains the Department of Defense. The Trump administration is working on plans to make the change permanent, but this will depend on Congress. Whether the name sticks or not, the debate shows how much words matter in shaping perceptions of the U.S. military.
In conclusion, the rename is more than just a change of words—it’s a signal of a shift in attitude. Whether it will lead to a stronger military or create new challenges remains to be seen. What do you think about this change? Let us know in the comments!
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/05/politics/trump-signs-executive-order-rebranding-pentagon-department-of-war
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8x0g3z2k7lo
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/09/06/restoring-the-united-states-department-of-war/
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/us/politics/trump-defense-department-war.html
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/06/pentagon-officials-fume-trump-department-war-rebrand-00177986
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