President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order restoring the historic name Department of War as a secondary title for the Department of Defense. The directive, expected to take effect this week, grants Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authority to use the title Secretary of War and instructs him to pursue legislative and administrative steps to formalize the change.
The move is framed by the administration as a revival of a “warrior ethos,” meant to emphasize military strength beyond defensive posture. Officials indicated that the rebrand would extend to public-facing elements, including Pentagon websites, official signage, and potentially even renaming the press briefing room to reflect the new identity.
Although the executive order allows for immediate symbolic use of the title, a full legal change would still require congressional approval. Trump’s team, however, has signaled confidence that the measure will gain political traction.
The Department of War was the Pentagon’s original name until it was replaced with the Department of Defense in 1949. By reviving the term, the administration is signaling a dramatic shift in tone, aiming to portray U.S. military power in more assertive and offensive terms.