Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that will authorize the Pentagon to be referred to as the “Department of War,” reviving a historic title that was dropped after World War II.
The executive order will designate “Department of War” as an official secondary title, allowing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials to use “Secretary of War” in their positions. The move bypasses the need for immediate congressional approval, though the order also directs Hegseth to propose legislative steps that could make the change permanent.
Trump has argued that the rebrand will project a more aggressive image of U.S. military strength. He said the title reflects the nation’s past victories in global conflicts, contrasting it with what he views as the more passive-sounding “Department of Defense.”
The decision comes as Trump continues to highlight U.S. military dominance while also promoting his efforts to end wars abroad. Supporters see the rebrand as symbolic, while critics argue it risks aligning the U.S. more with conflict than peace at a time when global tensions remain high.