Trump to rename Defence Department to ‘Department of War’

Zuko Komisa

President Donald Trump is set to rename the Department of Defence to the Department of War via an executive order, reverting to a name not used since the 1940s.
The President stated the name change is part of his effort to project a more powerful image of the US military, despite the move likely requiring congressional approval.
The decision has been supported by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and also includes renaming the Pentagon’s briefing room and website.

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order today renaming the Department of Defence to the Department of War, a name not used since the 1940s. The move aligns with the President’s public desire to project a more powerful image of the US military.

According to a White House official, the change will also see the Pentagon’s briefing room renamed the “Pentagon War Annex” and updates to the department’s website and signage. The plans were first reported by Fox News Digital.

President Trump has frequently floated the idea of the name change, despite his claims of ending wars and his belief he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. He has often referred to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as the “Secretary of War” on social media.

Last month, the President explained his reasoning, stating, “Defence is too defensive… it just sounded to me like a better name.” He added that he believes the change can be made via executive order, without the need for a vote in Congress. “We’re just going to do it, I’m sure Congress will go along,” he said.

Secretary Hegseth hinted at the change yesterday, and later shared the Fox News Digital report on his social media account. Since his appointment, he and Trump have focused on presenting a more “muscular image” of the Pentagon.

The name change harks back to the official title of the US military’s department, which was the War Department from 1789 until it was merged and renamed the Department of Defence in 1949.