Trump Rebrands Pentagon: “Secretary of War” Title Takes Effect

Lead The Pentagon officially adopted the title “Secretary of War” on Saturday after President Trump’s executive order reinstating the department’s historical name took effect, marking a symbolic shift in U.S. military posture.

Nut Graf The renaming-reviving the Department of War designation used until 1949-underscores the administration’s emphasis on a more offensive, warrior-centric ethos and cements Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new styling as Secretary of War.

Key Details

Executive Order Enforcement
Effective Sept. 6, all Department of Defense communications, signage and stationery will reflect the “Department of War” title.
Defense Department websites and social media now redirect from defense.gov to war.gov.
Rationale and Reception
White House: The change signals “victory through strength” and restores historical tradition.
Pentagon chief Hegseth: Emphasized a shift to “maximum lethality” and offensive operations.
Critics: Warn of steep rebranding costs and distraction from core defense challenges.
Congressional Outlook
Companion bills in the House and Senate seek to codify the name change into law.
Legal experts note permanent renaming requires congressional approval and budget allocations for updates.
Historical Context
The War Department oversaw the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force from 1789 until the National Security Act of 1947 created today’s Defense Department.
Post-World War II renaming aimed to emphasize conflict prevention in the nuclear age.

Background President Trump signed the order during a White House ceremony on Sept. 5, citing past military victories under the War Department banner and lamenting that “we haven’t truly fought to win” since adopting the Defense Department name. As of today, Secretary Pete Hegseth is formally addressed as Secretary of War, and implementation of the full rebranding-including base signs and letterhead-has commenced.