Trump Moves to Rename Pentagon as Department of War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order renaming the Department of Defense the Department of War. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the shift reflects a stronger “warrior ethos,” though critics call it costly and distracting. While congressional approval is required for permanence, Republican leaders are unlikely to oppose Trump’s push.
Trump Department of War Quick Looks
- Executive order to rename Defense Department → War Department.
- Secondary titles like “Secretary of War” authorized for official use.
- Congressional approval needed, but GOP unlikely to resist.
- Department was called War Department until 1949.
- Costs expected for signs, letterheads, and installations worldwide.
- Democrats argue money better spent on military families or diplomacy.
- Sec. Pete Hegseth says change reflects a “warrior ethos.”
- Trump has renamed places, institutions, and reversed base renaming efforts.
- Support from GOP leaders, including House Oversight Chair James Comer.
- Critics warn move is a political stunt, not strategy.
Trump Moves to Rename Pentagon as Department of War
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order Friday authorizing the renaming of the Department of Defense as the Department of War, a move that would restore the Pentagon’s pre-1949 identity and reflect what the administration calls a stronger “warrior ethos.”
What the Order Does
The order empowers Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon officials to use “Department of War” and “Secretary of War” in correspondence, public communications, and titles. Hegseth will also be tasked with recommending the legislative and executive actions needed to make the name change permanent.
White House officials say the measure is designed to “put Trump’s stamp” on the nation’s largest government agency, echoing his broader campaign to reshape federal institutions.
A Throwback to History
The U.S. military was led by the War Department until Congress renamed it the Department of Defense in 1949, shortly after World War II. Historians note the change was intended to reflect America’s focus on deterrence and preventing conflict in the nuclear age. Trump has argued that the shift was “politically correct,” suggesting a return to the original name signals greater strength.
During his first term, allies including current FBI Director Kash Patel informally revived the term, with Patel even using a “War Department” sign-off in Pentagon emails.
Political and Financial Implications
Because official renaming of federal agencies requires congressional approval, the order alone cannot permanently change the Pentagon’s identity. However, with Republicans holding narrow majorities in both chambers, Trump faces little internal resistance.
Still, the move carries a price tag. Updating signage, documents, letterheads, and materials at the Pentagon and military installations worldwide will cost millions. By comparison, the Army estimated that former President Joe Biden’s renaming of Confederate bases would have cost about $39 million before Trump’s team reversed the decision.
Critics argue those funds should instead support military families, diplomacy, and security programs. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran, condemned the move:
“Trump would rather use our military to score political points than to strengthen national security.”
Support Among Allies
Hegseth has defended the renaming effort as more than symbolism. “This is not just about words,” he said, “it’s about embracing the warrior ethos at the heart of our armed forces.”
One of Trump’s congressional allies, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, introduced legislation earlier this year to give presidents greater power to reorganize or rename agencies. Trump himself said in August:
“Defense is too defensive. We want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be.”
A Growing Pattern of Renaming
The Pentagon move is part of Trump’s broader campaign to reshape federal institutions. Since taking office in January, he has ordered renamings ranging from geographic features to the reversal of racial justice-era base changes.
For supporters, the changes signal a return to tradition. For critics, they highlight a White House prioritizing branding and optics over policy substance.
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