Trump Rebrands Pentagon as “Department of War”

President Donald Trump has introduced a secondary name for the Department of Defense, officially allowing it to be called the Department of War, a move he says communicates strength and resolve and aligns with historical precedent when the department oversaw U.S. land forces during major wars.

According to a White House document, the new title can be used in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents within the executive branch.

Trump highlighted the department’s role in victories during World Wars I and II, while the Secretary of War is tasked with recommending legislative or executive steps to make the renaming permanent.

Critics have raised concerns that the symbolic change may cause confusion domestically and internationally, questioning whether it adds value beyond messaging.