US Restores Historic Department of War Name

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order restoring the U.S. Department of Defense to its original name, the Department of War, a title first established by George Washington in 1789. This symbolic rebranding aims to emphasize America's military strength and resolve, reflecting Trump’s view that the name 'Department of War' signals a readiness to fight and win wars to secure national interests, rather than merely defend. The move has sparked significant media backlash, with critics accusing Trump of seeking to appear authoritarian and undermining his claims of being an 'anti-war president.' Supporters argue that the change honors historical precedent and reinforces America’s position as a global military power. The executive order allows the Secretary of Defense to use the additional title of Secretary of War in official and ceremonial contexts, and the department itself may be referred to by the historic name. This decision highlights a shift in messaging about U.S. military posture under the Trump administration.