In a Controversial Move, Trump Administration Reportedly Considers Renaming the Pentagon from ‘Department of Defense’ to ‘Department of War

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on September 5, 2025, directing the rebranding of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, according to documents obtained by the BBC.

The Trump administration is preparing an executive order that would allow the Pentagon to use “Department of War” as a secondary title. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been tasked with drafting steps to make the change permanent through legislation and executive action.

According to the draft order, the term “Department of War” is seen as projecting strength and readiness, while “Department of Defense” focuses too narrowly on defense.

During an interview on Fox News, Hegseth argued for the change by highlighting the nation’s past. He reminded viewers that the U.S. achieved victory in both World Wars under the War Department, not the Defense Department. “As the president has said, our mission is not limited to defense—we’re prepared to go on the offensive as well,” he said.

He explained that the White House wants to rebuild a sense of “combat spirit” within the department. “We want leaders and troops who know how to deliver decisive power against our enemies,” he said. “We’re not aiming for endless defensive strategies. Words, names, and titles carry real meaning.”

The Department of Defense was established in 1947, replacing the previous War Department structure. Trump has previously referenced what he called the United States’ “unbelievable history of victory” under the Department of War name.

The proposed change follows other rebranding initiatives by the Trump administration, including the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which the administration declared official in January 2025.

Public reaction to the proposed name change has been mixed, with critics expressing concerns about the implications and costs of such a rebranding effort. The administration has not yet released details about implementation timelines or associated costs for the potential name change.