Trump Signs Executive Order Renaming Defense Department to Department of War

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, intending to project American strength and a message of victory to allies and adversaries. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized a new focus on aggressive military posture, with Hegseth advocating for "maximum lethality" and raising "warriors, not just defenders." The rebranding includes changes such as the Pentagon's website shifting to "war.gov" and replacing signage, though the official name change requires Congressional approval. The move has drawn mixed reactions; some conservatives support it as a sign of toughness, while critics argue it is costly, largely symbolic, and sends a belligerent message internationally. Veterans expressed concern about the potential negative image the change might create, recalling that the Department of War existed until 1949 when it was renamed during a time focused on deterrence amid Cold War tensions. Analysts note Trump's decision is not merely nostalgic but a deliberate statement amidst current geopolitical challenges involving Russia, China, and other global powers.