Trump Signs Order Giving Pentagon Secondary Name, ‘Department of War’

On Friday, President Donald Trump took an important step by signing an executive order that designates the Pentagon with the “secondary name” of the Department of War. This action bypasses Congress and underscores the administration's assertive stance on military matters.

In a significant development, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is now permitted to adopt the title “secretary of war.” The adjustment, though not an official rebranding, enables the White House to adopt terminology that officials claim highlights “lethality” and a “warrior ethos.”

“We’re going to the Department of War,” Trump declared during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office. “I believe this name is far more fitting, particularly considering the current state of the world.”

Hegseth expressed a strong viewpoint, stating that the change signifies “maximum lethality, not tepid legality; violent effect, not politically correct.” In a swift turn of events, defense.gov transitioned to war.gov, Hegseth’s official account on X was updated to @SecWar, and his office placard was promptly changed to reflect the new title.

Trump and his supporters depict the shift as a revival of historical norms, highlighting that the United States previously operated under a Department of War. However, historians argue that such a comparison is not accurate. Founded in 1789, the Department of War oversaw the Army until Congress undertook a reorganization of the military following World War II. 

In 1947, a major transformation occurred with the passage of the National Security Act, which led to the dissolution of the War Department. This pivotal legislation not only established the Air Force as an independent branch but also created the Department of Defense, tasked with the crucial role of coordinating the Army, Navy, and Air Force under one unified command.

Matthew Schmidt, a national security scholar at the University of New Haven, noted that the term “defense” was indicative of the postwar fears surrounding nuclear conflict. “It became clear to everyone that a Department of War was simply not feasible,” Schmidt remarked. “The primary objective was to safeguard against the onset of conflict, as it was widely recognized that victory in a nuclear war was unattainable.”

Republicans in Congress have introduced legislation aimed at formalizing the name change. In a bold move, Rep. Greg Steube from Florida and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah have put forth proposals aimed at renaming the Pentagon to the Department of War. “I stand against the use of gentle language that allows politicians to evade accountability for the lethal conflicts they frequently orchestrate,” Lee shared on social media.

However, the decision faced criticism from Democrats. “It takes a certain perspective to suggest renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War,” Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., stated.

In a crucial move, the executive order maintains the current legal name, yet Trump has tasked Hegseth with presenting proposals to Congress. The future of legislative action on these matters is uncertain.