The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to rebrand the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” reviving a title last used more than seven decades ago. The proposal, floated by President Donald Trump earlier this week, is being explored by the White House despite the likelihood that a formal change would require congressional approval.
Officials are reportedly considering alternative ways to implement the shift without waiting for legislation. Republican Representative Greg Steube of Florida has already introduced an amendment to the annual defense policy bill to support the change, signaling some backing within Congress.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly reinforced the president’s stance, saying the administration wants the military to focus on offensive strength rather than what she described as “DEI and woke ideology.” She added that Trump has prioritized “warfighters at the Pentagon” in line with his vision.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump argued that the original name carried more weight and reflected a period of decisive military victories. “It used to be called the Department of War, and it had a stronger sound,” he said. “We want defense, but we want offense too… As Department of War, we won everything, and I think we’re going to have to go back to that.”
The War Department was the official name of the United States’ military administration from 1789 until the post-World War II era. The National Security Act of 1947 began the transition to the National Military Establishment, and a 1949 amendment formally introduced the “Department of Defense” title that remains today.
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