Overview:
On September 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order officially restoring the historic name “Department of War” as a title to the Department of Defense. The order also authorizes use of “Secretary of War” in ceremonial and non-statutory communications. This symbolic change aims to project strength and a warrior ethos—even though formal renaming requires congressional action.
On September 5, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 200 (his 200th since taking office), directing that the Department of Defense be referred to as the “Department of War” and that the Secretary of Defense be called the “Secretary of War” in a variety of official and ceremonial contexts.
The Fact Sheet released by the White House outlines the purpose behind the order:
“The name ‘Department of War’ conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to ‘Department of Defense,’ which emphasizes only defensive capabilities.”
The directive tasks all executive agencies with recognizing and accommodating these titles in both internal and external communications. It further instructs the Secretary to recommend actions—including legislative or additional executive measures—necessary to make the renaming permanent.
Implementation Steps Already Underway
Within hours of the signing, Pentagon communications began referencing “war.gov” and opening doors to the new terminology. The Department updated signage and stylized references—such as “Secretary of War” and “Department of War”—in emails and ceremonial correspondence.
Political and Legal Implications
Critics emphasize that only Congress can legally rename a federal agency. While the executive order allows symbolic usage, legal titles remain unchanged. Republican allies in Congress have reintroduced legislation aimed at enshrining the name change in law.
Supporters argue the shift reflects renewed national resolve and military pride. Detractors, however, decry it as a political gesture that may sow confusion and waste resources on reprinted materials and logistical updates.
Context and Historical Note
The U.S. Department of War existed from 1789 until 1949, when it was consolidated under the National Security Act of 1947 into the Department of Defense. This name change marked a transition from wartime posture toward broader, combined military administration.
Sources
- White House Fact Sheet: “Restoring the Department of War” (Executive Order details, including the quoted language) (The White House)
- Reuters on Trump’s plan to rename DoD as “Department of War” (Reuters)
- Associated Press coverage of Pentagon rebranding efforts and site changes (AP News)
- Defense.gov article summarizing the executive order provisions (defense.gov)
- Wikipedia overview of the Department of Defense history and current naming implications (Wikipedia)
