Trump Moves to Rebrand Pentagon as ‘Department of War’ in Historic Shift
President Donald Trump plans to rebrand the Pentagon as the “Department of War,” reviving a historic name from before 1947. Here’s what the executive order means and how Congress may respond.
In a dramatic and symbolic move, President Donald Trump is preparing to rebrand the Pentagon as the “Department of War,” reviving a name that was retired more than seven decades ago. The decision, set to be authorized through an executive order, will allow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to formally adopt the title “Secretary of War.”
A Return to History
The United States originally operated under the Department of War from 1789 until 1947, when it was reorganized after World War II into the National Military Establishment, later renamed the Department of Defense in 1949.
Trump’s move is being framed as a return to America’s military traditions, signaling a cultural and strategic shift. “Department of War is a stronger name,” Trump told aides, according to White House sources. “It reflects America’s strength and the reality of what we must be prepared for.”
What the Executive Order Does
The executive order will not immediately rename the Pentagon on a permanent legal basis, as that requires congressional approval. Instead, it authorizes:
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Secondary usage of the term “Department of War” in official documents and communications.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use the title Secretary of War in public addresses, ceremonies, and press materials.
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A broader branding initiative across military communications to emphasize a “warrior ethos.”
Political and Legal Reactions
Supporters in Congress, such as Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), have already floated amendments to formalize the change within the annual defense policy bill. However, the proposal is expected to face significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about both symbolism and cost.
Critics note that rebranding the Department of Defense could cost tens of millions of dollars, including updates to digital platforms, signage, stationery, and military base identifiers. A similar analysis under the Biden administration estimated a renaming initiative would run to around $39 million.
A Cultural and Ideological Shift
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has argued that the move is about more than symbolism. In a recent interview, he described the Department of Defense as too “passive” in its current presentation.
“This is not just about words,” Hegseth said. “It’s about restoring the warrior ethos. The Department of Defense sounds like you’re waiting to be attacked. The Department of War reflects readiness, strength, and American victory.”
The shift also comes as the Trump administration has undertaken a broader realignment of Pentagon priorities — rolling back diversity and equity programs, removing certain training materials, and restricting policies related to transgender service members.
Historic Symbolism
The reintroduction of the Department of War name ties into Trump’s vision of projecting strength on the global stage. The last time the title was in use, the U.S. was emerging victorious from World War II.
Military historians note the change is deeply symbolic. “The Department of War represented the United States at its most powerful moment in the 20th century,” said one analyst. “Reviving it signals a return to hard power and deterrence.”
What Comes Next
The immediate effect will be branding and rhetoric, with official communications from the Pentagon beginning to use “Department of War” alongside “Department of Defense.” For the name to be enshrined in law, however, Congress would need to amend the 1949 legislation that established the Department of Defense.
That debate is expected to become a flashpoint in Washington, especially with the 2025 defense budget and national security policy already under scrutiny.
Final Word
Whether symbolic or substantive, Trump’s plan to rebrand the Pentagon as the Department of War underscores a dramatic shift in how his administration wants America to see itself militarily. Supporters view it as a restoration of strength; critics warn it risks militarizing U.S. posture at a time of complex global challenges.
For now, the Pentagon — or the Department of War — will begin preparing for its new identity, even as Congress debates whether the historic change should become permanent.
