Trump Signs Executive Order Renaming Pentagon “Department of War”

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2025 - President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday directing the Department of Defense to adopt the historic name Department of War in all official communications, aiming to project greater military resolve and strength.

The order marks a symbolic shift from a defensive posture to a more overtly offensive stance and comes amid broader efforts by the administration to cultivate a “warrior ethos” within the armed forces.

Nut Graf

By restoring the title used from 1789 until 1947, the administration seeks to underscore a commitment to decisive victory rather than deterrence alone. Although immediately effective for ceremonial and non-statutory documents, the change requires congressional legislation to become permanent.

Ceremony and Rationale

President Trump signed the order in the Oval Office alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who will now be referred to as “Secretary of War.” Trump argued that the name “Department of Defense” emphasizes only defensive capabilities, whereas “Department of War” better reflects America’s readiness to use force when necessary.

Legislative Hurdles

  • Congressional Approval Required: A formal name change of a federal department traditionally mandates an act of Congress.
  • Republican Support: Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) have already introduced companion legislation to facilitate the renaming.

Pentagon Response

  • Operational Impact: Officials anticipate thousands of logistical updates, from letterheads to website domains, prompting concerns about resource allocation and potential confusion.
  • “A million small headaches”: Pentagon insiders warn of extensive administrative burdens, including replacing seals on over 700,000 facilities worldwide.

Political Reactions

  • Republicans: Some embrace the change as a bold statement of national strength, while Senate GOP leaders urge matching rhetoric with increased defense spending to truly “win wars,” not just rebrand.
  • Democrats: Critics dismiss the move as a distraction from troop readiness and broader national security challenges, calling it “political theater”.

Next Steps

The White House will direct Secretary Hegseth to develop a plan for legislative and administrative actions needed to codify the name change. Until Congress acts, “Department of War” remains a secondary title for use in executive-branch communications.

  • Sources: Reuters; Politico