Trump Renames Defense Department to Combat Readiness

Tue Oct 21 2025 17:26:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a controversial move, President Trump has rebranded the Department of Defense as the Department of War, signaling a shift in U.S. military policy and messaging.

President Trump signed an executive order changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a title it held until 1947. The rebranding aims to project a stronger military readiness, although it may incur significant costs. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasize an offensive approach and a focus on 'warfighting' as opposed to a defensive mindset.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that directs the Department of Defense to be known as the Department of War.

The move restores a name the agency last held in the 1940s and, according to the text of the order seen by the BBC, the aim is to 'project strength and resolve'.

The department will initially use the new name as a 'secondary title' while the administration seeks congressional approval to make the change permanent.

The White House has yet to disclose the cost of rebranding, but US media estimate it could exceed one billion dollars, affecting hundreds of agencies, emblems, email addresses, and uniforms.

The Department of Defense (DoD) oversees the US armed services as the successor to the War Department, which was established in 1789 and existed until 1947. The executive order states: 'The name 'Department of War' conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to 'Department of Defense,' which emphasizes only defensive capabilities.'

In the Oval Office, Trump noted, 'I think it's a much more appropriate name, in light of where the world is right now,' arguing that it 'sends a message of victory'.

The order outlines that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will be rebranded as Secretary of War and is instructed to recommend legislative actions to solidify the name change.

Hegseth expressed that the name change is not merely a cosmetic update but also a restoration of the agency's purpose, stating, 'words matter'.

The Pentagon's website has been updated to reflect its new name, changing to war.gov with 'U.S. Department of War' as the new header.

The renaming, which represents Trump's 200th executive order since taking office, has drawn mixed reactions. Democratic Senator Andy Kim stated that the name change is childish, asserting that Americans desire to prevent wars rather than promote them.

The rebranding comes amid escalating global tensions, particularly following China's recent exhibitions of military might. Trump aims to focus on offensive strategies and have the military emphasize maximum lethality over political correctness.