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Trump's 'Department of War' Proposal Sparks Controversy and Costs

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump proposed renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, potentially costing taxpayers up to $2 billion.
The expense would cover updating signage and digital systems globally.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has adopted the title "Secretary of War."
Critics, including Senate Democrats, call the move wasteful and distract from national security tasks.
Formal congressional approval remains required.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump proposed renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, potentially costing taxpayers up to $2 billion.
The expense would cover updating signage and digital systems globally.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has adopted the title "Secretary of War."
Critics, including Senate Democrats, call the move wasteful and distract from national security tasks.
Formal congressional approval remains required.