WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move that stunned both critics and supporters, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to officially rename the Department of Defense back to its old title: the Department of War.
It’s a name not used since 1949, when the U.S. government shifted toward projecting a more peaceful image after World War II. But now, Trump says it’s time for a change — not just in name, but in mindset.
“It’s a very important change, because it’s an attitude,” Trump declared from the Oval Office. “It’s really about winning.”
The dramatic shift signals yet another attempt by Trump to reshape the U.S. military in his own image — bold, aggressive, and unafraid of controversy. From staging a massive military parade in Washington, to reversing efforts to rename Confederate-linked bases, Trump has made it clear: he wants a military that doesn’t just defend — it dominates.
Signs Already Changed at the Pentagon
Within hours of the announcement, signs inside the Pentagon — the five-sided heart of the U.S. military — were updated. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is now titled “Secretary of War”, while his deputy, Steve Feinberg, carries the new title of “Deputy Secretary of War.”
Hegseth, a longtime advocate of the change, praised the decision:
“We’re going to go on the offense, not just on defense,” he said.
“Maximum lethality, not tepid legality.”
Does Trump Need Congress? He’s Not So Sure
Officially, changing the name of a government department requires congressional approval — and such changes are rare. Still, Trump questioned whether he truly needs the green light from Capitol Hill, despite Republicans holding only slim majorities in both chambers.
Even so, the move has early backing. Three GOP lawmakers — Senators Mike Lee (Utah), Rick Scott (Florida), and Representative Greg Steube (Florida) — introduced legislation the same day to make the name change permanent.
Critics Say It’s Costly and Distracting
Not everyone is on board. Critics call the move expensive and unnecessary — especially at a time when the Pentagon faces growing global threats and tight budgets. Just changing base names from the Confederate era under President Biden was estimated to cost the Army $39 million.
Still, Trump and his allies argue that this isn’t about signs or stationery.
“It’s not just about words,” said Hegseth. “It’s about the warrior ethos.”
A Return to the Past — Or a Step Too Far?
The original War Department was rebranded in the aftermath of World War II to reflect a more defensive posture in the nuclear age. Historians say the shift was about diplomacy and deterrence — not just military might.
But Trump, never one to embrace subtlety, views the old name as a more honest reflection of what the U.S. military should stand for.
And according to longtime ally Kash Patel, who worked briefly at the Pentagon during Trump’s first term, the seeds were planted long ago.
“I view it as a tribute to the history and heritage of the Department of Defense,” Patel said.
Whether Congress formally approves it or not, the message is loud and clear: Trump wants a military that’s ready for war — in name and in spirit.
