Department of Defense Renamed 'Department of War' — US Defense Secretary: Restoring the Warrior Spirit

On the 5th, US President Trump signed an executive order to restore the historical name of the US Department of Defense, renaming it the "Department of War." He stated that this was to send a "message of victory" to the world.

Defense Secretary Hegseth subsequently showed a video of the new sign on his office door that reads "Secretary of War."

Hegseth said that the renaming is "not just changing the name, but restoring the warrior spirit." He emphasized the need to focus on action and effectiveness, rather than being overly constrained by political correctness and traditional norms.

Trump's executive order authorized the use of "Department of War" as a "secondary title" (essentially an alias) for the Department of Defense, and changed the titles of Hegseth and others accordingly, such as "Secretary of War." At the same time, the executive order required Hegseth to take measures to push for the department's permanent renaming. On the same day, several Republican lawmakers introduced related renaming bills, which are pending congressional approval. According to US law, Congress is the only body with the authority to establish, abolish, or rename federal government departments.

According to US media, starting from the 1790s, the US military was divided into two departments: the Department of War, which was responsible for the Army, and the Department of the Navy, which was responsible for naval forces and the Marine Corps. After World War II, then President Truman consolidated the branches into a single military institution in 1947, and in 1949, it was officially named the Department of Defense.

After starting his second term, Trump has repeatedly proposed renaming the Department of Defense, sparking controversy. In August, at the White House Oval Office, Trump said that the name "Department of War" sounds "stronger" and "more appropriate." He added, "'Defense' sounds too conservative. Of course, we should defend, but we must also be able to go on the offensive when necessary."

Critics argue that renaming the department would be very costly and would distract the Pentagon from its security priorities.