Donald Trump is looking to take the Pentagon back in time with a controversial rebrand. According to multiple reports, Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that would reintroduce the historic title “Department of War” as a secondary name for the Department of Defense.
The order would allow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be called “Secretary of War” and give the Pentagon a new identity in official communications, signage, and ceremonial use. While the White House is promoting the move as a way to project strength, critics argue it’s a dramatic shift in tone that could spark global concerns.
It’s important to note the actual legal name of the Pentagon won’t change unless Congress passes a law. For now, “Department of Defense” remains the formal title. Trump’s executive order would simply allow the use of the older “Department of War” branding.
Historically, the U.S. operated under the War Department until 1947, when it was renamed to the Department of Defense after World War II. Trump’s push essentially revives a name tied to America’s most aggressive military years.
