According to France24.com, Trump stated that the change was intended to send a message of strength and victory to the world, asserting that the United States is a formidable force. He criticized the Department of Defense’s name as “woke”, and emphasized that the new title aligns with his vision for a more aggressive military stance. The executive order designates the “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Pentagon.
This rebranding effort is part of Trump’s broader initiative to reshape the US military and counter what he perceives as progressive ideology within its ranks. This includes renaming military bases, banning transgender soldiers, and removing online content that honors the contributions of women and minorities in the armed forces. Trump has also endorsed aggressive military actions, often criticized as illegal, such as the stealth bomber strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and the destruction of a drug-carrying boat off the Venezuelan coast.
Despite his tough military rhetoric, Trump maintains that his focus on diplomacy remains intact, arguing that peace must be achieved from a position of strength. He has claimed credit for resolving various international conflicts but expressed frustration over the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Trump reiterated his belief that strength leads to peace, echoing Ronald Reagan’s “peace through strength” motto.
During the announcement, Trump dismissed Hegseth and General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and tasked them with maintaining peace through the newly renamed department. Florida Republican Representative Greg Steube has proposed legislation in the House to officially change the department’s name, stating that it would honor the historical commitment to military lethality. Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee are introducing similar legislation in the Senate.
The Department of War, created in 1789, was renamed and reorganized in 1947 by President Harry Truman, incorporating it into the Department of Defense alongside the Department of the Navy and the newly established Air Force. Trump and Hegseth, who have long advocated for restoring the Department of War name, argue that this change harkens back to a time of military victories. Trump expressed confidence that Congress would support the name change if required.
Trump and Hegseth have previously engaged in controversial renaming efforts within the Pentagon, often bypassing legal requirements. This includes attempts to restore the names of military bases that previously honored Confederate leaders, which were changed following a congressionally mandated review in 2023. Their actions have drawn criticism from some Republicans in Congress, who have moved to prohibit the restoration of Confederate names in defense legislation.
The administration’s renaming strategy, which involved creative substitutions for Confederate-named bases, has been met with opposition from lawmakers. Republican Representative Don Bacon criticized the approach, accusing the administration of defying Congress by reverting to old names through indirect means.