Trump Orders Pentagon Name Change
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, marking a bold and controversial shift in America’s military identity.
Trump argued the change projects strength and victory rather than what he called a “woke” image. He insisted the rebranding sends a clear signal that the United States remains a dominant force on the world stage.
A Symbol of Strength or Political Theater?
At the signing ceremony, Trump described the decision as “a message of victory.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, now referred to as the “secretary of war,” echoed the sentiment, saying the military would move “on offense, not just on defense.”
Congress, however, must formally authorize a full name change. Supporters in both chambers have already introduced legislation to enshrine the shift in law. In the meantime, the Pentagon website has switched to “war.gov,” and office signage is being updated.
A Break from Tradition
The U.S. originally operated under the Department of War from 1789 until 1947, when President Harry Truman reorganized it into the Department of Defense after World War II. Trump’s allies argue that during the “Department of War” era, America saw decisive victories, unlike in more recent decades.
Trump himself has long claimed that “we never fought to win” since the name change. His administration has frequently sought to reshape the military’s image, rolling back policies tied to diversity, inclusion, and what he calls political correctness.
Military Actions and Peace Claims
Despite campaigning for the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump has favored aggressive military moves. He has touted ordering strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and destroying drug-carrying vessels near Venezuela. Critics argue these decisions highlight contradictions between his rhetoric of peace and his willingness to use force.
Trump counters that peace must come from strength, echoing Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” doctrine. He cites efforts to ease tensions between countries like India and Pakistan as proof of his diplomatic achievements.
Political Fallout and Symbolic Moves
The order follows other controversial renaming efforts, including attempts to reverse congressionally mandated changes to military bases once honoring Confederate leaders. To sidestep restrictions, Trump and Hegseth reassigned those names to soldiers with similar surnames, sparking outrage even among some Republicans.
Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, a Republican, criticized the maneuver, calling it a direct affront to congressional authority. Still, Trump insists that Congress will eventually back his Pentagon rebrand.
What Comes Next
The debate over renaming the Defense Department highlights deeper questions about America’s military role, historical memory, and global posture. Whether Congress formally adopts “Department of War” remains uncertain, but Trump has made clear his intent to redefine how the U.S. projects power.
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