U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Friday directing the Pentagon to adopt the historical name “Department of War” as a secondary title—a revival of terminology not used since 1947. The directive also mandates that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth be referred to as “Secretary of War,” in a symbolic shift aimed at projecting a more aggressive national defense posture.
While only Congress has the constitutional authority to officially rename executive departments, Trump stated he believes lawmakers will eventually support the change, calling it a move that reflects “America’s heritage of strength.”
“The name ‘Department of War’ conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to ‘Department of Defense,’ which emphasizes only defensive capabilities,” the executive order reads.
Originally established in 1789, the Department of War was renamed as the Department of Defense following World War II under the National Security Act of 1947. Trump has repeatedly argued that the former name better represents America’s “unbelievable history of victory” and a proactive approach to national security.
The executive order will not immediately change the department’s official name in legal terms, but it would allow “Department of War” to be used in public-facing materials, military communications, and ceremonial contexts.
Although the White House has not released a cost estimate for the rebrand, analysts suggest it could reach into the billions of dollars, factoring in updates to uniforms, emblems, IT systems, signage, and documentation. Critics warn that such an expense could undermine efforts to streamline Pentagon spending, especially amid long-standing concerns about defense budget inefficiencies.
Supporters of the change, including Hegseth, argue it reflects a renewed focus on combat readiness and warfighting capabilities, countering what they see as a shift toward “social engineering” within the military.
“This is about reviving a warrior ethos and cutting through the bureaucratic bloat that’s diluted our armed forces,” Hegseth said during a recent Fox News appearance.
The timing of the move comes just days after China showcased new military hardware in a major parade—an event widely interpreted as a warning to the U.S. and its allies. Analysts say the Pentagon rebranding could be interpreted as a symbolic escalation amid mounting tensions with Beijing.
The announcement has also sparked debate in Washington, with some lawmakers questioning whether the name change signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and military alliances.
The move marks Trump’s 200th executive order since taking office and further solidifies his legacy of unconventional and often symbolic executive actions. While largely ceremonial for now, the reintroduction of “Department of War” is likely to shape public perceptions—and perhaps international ones—of America’s evolving military doctrine.
