Washington (Sept 2025) – U.S. President Donald Trump is ready through an executive order to rebrand the Department of defense as the Department of War, reviving the historic title last used before 1949.
According to a White House document, the new label would serve as a secondary title, permitting use of “Secretary of War” and similar terms in official statements, ceremonies, and communications. Trump is expected to sign the order during an event at the White House on Friday.
The former president has argued that “Defense” sounds too passive, pointing to past American victories under the War Department in World Wars I and II. The White House memo says the new title projects “strength and readiness.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a combat veteran and close Trump ally, supports the move as part of his push to restore a “warrior ethos” in the military. Critics, however, warn the rebrand could inflame global tensions.
Experts at nenagency note the change underscores Trump’s emphasis on hard power messaging and his effort to reshape Pentagon culture along more aggressive lines.
