Trump Moves to Rename Department of Defense to Department of War

President Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, arguing that the current title is too defensive. Speaking at the White House and during a press conference with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump stated the original name, used from 1789 until 1947, is associated with an unbelievable history of victory in World War I and World War II.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has backed the proposal, describing the shift as common sense and stating the current name just doesn't sound right. While Trump initially suggested the administration could implement the change in the coming weeks without legislative approval, the White House is now exploring alternative methods to facilitate the move, acknowledging that an act of Congress would typically be required.

To formalize the change, Republican Representative Greg Steube has filed an amendment to the annual defense policy bill to rename the department and its secretary. This rebranding is part of a broader effort by Trump and Hegseth to project a more aggressive military image. This strategy includes a record FY 2026 defense budget request exceeding $1 trillion, the removal of military leaders opposed to the administration, and efforts to bar transgender individuals from service.