Story perspectives

Trump Revives 'Department of War' Title Amid Criticism

9/7/2025

Summary

Story summary

On September 5, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order allowing the Department of Defense to use "Department of War" as a secondary title.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth can adopt the title "Secretary of War" and propose legislative actions for a permanent change.
Critics claim the name change is symbolic and may cost around one billion dollars for rebranding.
Republican lawmakers are pushing legislation to formalize the name change, promoting a "warrior ethos."
The Department of War was the official name from 1789 until 1947, when it was renamed.

History

Historical Context

The National Security Act of 1947 restructured U.S. military leadership, replacing the Secretary of War with the Secretary of Defense, reflecting a shift towards defense-focused military policy. In 2025, President Trump’s executive order to use the "Secretary of War" title again highlights ongoing debates about militarization, potentially costing taxpayers around one billion dollars and impacting military culture in the U.S.

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Story summary

On September 5, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order allowing the Department of Defense to use "Department of War" as a secondary title.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth can adopt the title "Secretary of War" and propose legislative actions for a permanent change.
Critics claim the name change is symbolic and may cost around one billion dollars for rebranding.
Republican lawmakers are pushing legislation to formalize the name change, promoting a "warrior ethos."
The Department of War was the official name from 1789 until 1947, when it was renamed.

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