In a move already stirring debate across political and military circles, former President Donald J. Trump is set to sign an executive order that would change the name of the Department of Defense back to its original title: the Department of War.
The change is mostly symbolic—for now. The order will allow the new name to be used in speeches, documents, branding, and signage across the Pentagon and other defense agencies. However, the formal legal name will remain “Department of Defense” unless Congress passes legislation to change it.
Trump, speaking at a veterans' event in Ohio on Thursday night, called the current name “weak” and “dishonest,” arguing that the U.S. military has never been just about defense. “We don’t defend—we win. We fight. We win. We need a name that reflects that,” he told the cheering crowd.
Supporters of the move, especially among Trump’s political base and segments of the veteran community, say the change is long overdue. They argue that the U.S. military is not just a defensive force, but one that actively projects power and engages in conflict when needed.
“It’s about being honest with the American people,” said retired Army Col. Jack Thompson, a Trump supporter and frequent defense commentator. “We’re not just sitting around with shields. We’ve got the biggest hammer in the world, and we use it.”
But critics argue that the rebrand sends the wrong message—both to Americans and to the world.
“It’s a dangerous signal,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), an Iraq War veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “This isn’t just a cosmetic change. It reflects a shift in mindset—from one of responsibility to one of aggression.”
Others in the defense establishment worry the change could damage America’s global image or even provoke adversaries. A retired Pentagon official, speaking on background, said, “The world already views us as too militaristic. Changing the name to ‘Department of War’ only reinforces that.”
Final Thoughts :
While the name change is largely symbolic for now, it’s already generating a strong mix of applause and alarm. Whether it becomes a permanent shift or a short-lived political statement will depend largely on Congress—and, of course, the 2026 midterms.
For now, America’s military leadership will begin operating, at least in presentation, under a new name: The Department of War.