Story perspectives

Pentagon asks Congress to rename Defense Department, $52 M cost.

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon has asked Congress to codify renaming the Defense Department to the Department of War.
The Pentagon estimates the rename will cost about $52 million, far below the Congressional Budget Office’s earlier $125 million projection.
Legislation by Rep. Greg Steube and Sen. Mike Lee would amend about 7,600 statutes to reflect the new titles.
The department has changed its website, social-media accounts and the Secretary’s nameplate to the Department of War.

History

Historical Context

In July 1947 President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, creating the National Military Establishment that unified the Army, Navy and new Air Force under Secretary James V. Forrestal. The NME became the Department of Defense on 10 August 1949, placing civilian control over six armed services. Today Representatives Greg Steube and Mike Lee propose renaming it the Department of War, echoing the 1947 restructuring.

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Story summary

The Pentagon has asked Congress to codify renaming the Defense Department to the Department of War.
The Pentagon estimates the rename will cost about $52 million, far below the Congressional Budget Office’s earlier $125 million projection.
Legislation by Rep. Greg Steube and Sen. Mike Lee would amend about 7,600 statutes to reflect the new titles.
The department has changed its website, social-media accounts and the Secretary’s nameplate to the Department of War.

1 / 2