US Administration Renames Department of Defense to Department of War

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order restoring the historical name "Department of War" as a secondary title for the Department of Defense, with the Secretary of Defense authorized to use the title "Secretary of War." The administration justifies this change by evoking the legacy of past U.S. military victories under the original Department of War name, arguing that "defense" sounds too passive compared to the assertive and clear posture implied by "war." Pentagon officials emphasize that the military's mission extends beyond defense to readiness to strike and dominate adversaries. However, the name change faces skepticism as it is implemented only by executive order and lacks Congressional approval, meaning it could be reversed by future administrations. Critics argue that while the renaming removes a euphemism and truthfully reflects the U.S. military's aggressive role, it may also galvanize opposition to military spending by making the government's war posture more explicit. Supporters see the move as an honest acknowledgment of the military's primary function and a political effort to rekindle national pride and strength under President Trump's "Make America Great Again" platform.