Trump Set to Sign Executive Order Renaming Pentagon as Department of War
President Donald Trump's administration plans to revert to the department's historical name, officials confirm.
In a significant move, President Donald Trump is anticipated to sign an executive order on Friday that will officially rename the Defense Department as the Department of War.
This decision has been hinted at by both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in recent discussions, reflecting a return to the department's historical designation.
The president first mentioned his intention during a press briefing in the Oval Office last week, stating, "We call it the Department of Defense, but between us, I think we’re gonna change the name." Trump emphasized the historical significance, noting that the terms "Department of War" were used during World Wars 1 and 2.
His remarks suggest a rebranding effort that aligns with what he perceives as the department's original and core function.
Defense Secretary Hegseth further elaborated on this shift in terminology at Fort Benning, stating, "Words matter.
Titles matter.
Cultures matter." He referenced George Washington’s establishment of the War Department, hinting at a return to foundational principles.
The last change in the department's name required an act of Congress and occurred in 1949 under President Harry Truman.
The National Security Act, signed by Truman in 1947, united various branches of the military into a single entity known as the National Military Establishment, which was subsequently renamed the Department of Defense.
This proposed name change follows Secretary Hegseth's efforts to restore original names to military bases and ships, reversing decisions made during the previous administration.
His actions reflect an ongoing debate regarding historical symbols and their place in today’s military institutions.
The shift is seen as part of a broader re-evaluation of historical contexts within the U.S. military, reflecting the evolving nature of national identity and military naming conventions.
This decision has been hinted at by both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in recent discussions, reflecting a return to the department's historical designation.
The president first mentioned his intention during a press briefing in the Oval Office last week, stating, "We call it the Department of Defense, but between us, I think we’re gonna change the name." Trump emphasized the historical significance, noting that the terms "Department of War" were used during World Wars 1 and 2.
His remarks suggest a rebranding effort that aligns with what he perceives as the department's original and core function.
Defense Secretary Hegseth further elaborated on this shift in terminology at Fort Benning, stating, "Words matter.
Titles matter.
Cultures matter." He referenced George Washington’s establishment of the War Department, hinting at a return to foundational principles.
The last change in the department's name required an act of Congress and occurred in 1949 under President Harry Truman.
The National Security Act, signed by Truman in 1947, united various branches of the military into a single entity known as the National Military Establishment, which was subsequently renamed the Department of Defense.
This proposed name change follows Secretary Hegseth's efforts to restore original names to military bases and ships, reversing decisions made during the previous administration.
His actions reflect an ongoing debate regarding historical symbols and their place in today’s military institutions.
The shift is seen as part of a broader re-evaluation of historical contexts within the U.S. military, reflecting the evolving nature of national identity and military naming conventions.
