Donald Trump To Sign Executive Order To Change Name Of Pentagon

Donald Trump has approved an executive order allowing the U.S. Department of Defense to also be referred to as the “Department of War,” the White House confirmed Friday. The change revives the historic title for use in official documents, ceremonies, and federal communications.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will now be able to use the title “Secretary of War” in his role. While the department’s legal name remains unchanged, a full renaming would still require Congressional approval.

The Pentagon was originally called the Department of War until 1949, when the government restructured the military after World War II. The change was intended to emphasize peacekeeping and strategic defense during the early Cold War.

Under the new order, the Pentagon must begin incorporating the “Department of War” name into signage, correspondence, and branding both in the U.S. and abroad. While no cost estimate was released, analysts warn the transition could run into tens of millions of dollars.

The move has already drawn criticism from Democrats and retired military leaders, who call it unnecessary, expensive, and politically motivated. Some argue it risks sending a more aggressive signal to U.S. allies at NATO and the U.N.

Supporters, however, claim the rebrand restores clarity and tradition, reflecting Trump’s push against what he views as overly “politically correct” government language. Hegseth himself teased the decision with a blunt social media post: “DEPARTMENT OF WAR.”

For now, both names will be used interchangeably. The administration says the step honors history, but critics fear it could alter how America’s military identity is perceived worldwide.