Department of Defense to be rebranded ‘Department of War’

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order giving the Department of Defense (DoD) the secondary title of “Department of War” on Friday.

The action, confirmed by White House officials, would not rename the department but allow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use titles like “secretary of war” in official communications and ceremonies.

Trump will also require all executive agencies to recognize these secondary titles internally and externally.

The move recalls the DoD’s original name as the War Department in 1789.

Trump said last month that the old title had a “stronger sound” and a history of victories in World Wars I and II.

Hegseth supports the change, saying it reinforces a “warrior ethos” within the department. This step could lead to recommendations for permanently reverting the name.