Trump will seek ‘Department of War’ rebrand for Pentagon
September 4, 2025
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War. This move is part of his effort to project a tougher image for America’s military. Trump cannot formally change the name without legislation, which his administration will request from Congress. In the meantime, the Pentagon will use “secondary titles” to go by its original name. The Department of War was created in 1789 and renamed in 1947. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hinted at the change, and Trump believes Congress will support the move if needed.