Trump moves to restore “Department of War” title

Today, President Donald Trump plans to authorize an executive order that would let the Pentagon revive its original 1789 title, the «Department of War,» according to Associated Press.

Push to rebrand the Defense Department

The official title cannot be changed without congressional approval, but the order would authorize the use of «secondary titles» while the administration seeks legislation. A White House fact sheet outlining the plan was shared with reporters by a source familiar with the matter.

It is worth noting that the modern name, the Department of Defense, is relatively recent compared to the original one, as the military agency was renamed only after World War II in 1947, reflecting the political shift toward military means following the most devastating war in human history.

Following early reports of the order, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted the words «DEPARTMENT OF WAR» on social media. Hegseth has previously floated the idea, even conducting an online poll in March, and he hinted again at a recent event in Georgia that his job title might soon change.

Cultural shifts at the Pentagon

The rebranding effort comes amid a broader campaign by Hegseth to reshape Pentagon culture since taking office earlier this year. He has pushed to eliminate diversity initiatives, removed large numbers of books from the military academy libraries, and taken down websites that highlighted the contributions of women and minority service members. The review included titles about the Holocaust and a memoir by Maya Angelou.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated in March that claims suggesting diversity is a source of strength within the Department of Defense are, in his view, simply wrong. Hegseth has also overseen the removal of all transgender personnel from the armed forces, following a Trump executive order. The process has been described by some critics as «dehumanizing» and «open cruelty.»