Washington, U.S. — President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order changing the name of the U.S. Department of Defense to “Department of War.” Although the renaming doesn’t require immediate legislation, the title will be used as a secondary name in official communications. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will adopt the title “Secretary of War” and is tasked with recommending steps legislative or executive needed to make the change permanent.
Context & Analysis:
- Trump’s rationale frames “Department of War” as more assertive, evoking past military victories dating back to World War I and II.
- The administration views the move as symbolic of a revived “warrior ethos” while sidelining what they call “wokeness and weakness.”
- Critics warn of logistical costs from updating signage to communications and question whether the gesture aligns with national priorities, especially without congressional endorsement.
