Trump to sign executive order renaming Pentagon the Department of War

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Friday, September 5, 2025, that will rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, reverting to a historical name that reflects a more aggressive stance, according to White House officials. The announcement came from multiple sources, including CNN and ABC News, which reported that Trump will formalize the change through an executive order. The move has been anticipated for weeks, with Trump hinting at it during public appearances. Specifically, the executive order is expected to instruct that the department be referred to as the Department of War in official correspondence and ceremonial contexts, even though a formal name change would require congressional approval. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may also adopt the title of Secretary of War. Trump first floated the idea last month, telling reporters in the Oval Office that he preferred the historical name “Department of War” because it more accurately describes the military’s role. “We won the World War 1, World War 2 – it was called the Department of War, and to me, that’s really what it is,” he said on August 25. Hegseth has been a key proponent of the change. During a visit to Fort Benning on Thursday, he hinted at the impending announcement, saying, “I would say standby tomorrow. It’s something that — words matter. Titles matter. Cultures matter. And George Washington founded the War Department.” Historically, the department was established as the Department of War by President George Washington in 1789. It was renamed the Department of Defense in 1949 under President Harry Truman as part of the National Security Act, which reorganized the military into a unified structure. The executive order’s practical effect is limited without congressional action, as statutory changes are needed for a permanent rename. However, it signals the administration’s intent and could influence internal and external perceptions of the military’s mission. This renaming effort is part of a broader pattern under Hegseth’s leadership, which has included reversing Biden-era decisions on base names and renaming ships, often emphasizing traditional or conservative values. The move is likely to spark debate over the symbolism of the name change, with critics arguing it promotes militarism, while supporters see it as a return to foundational principles. Attention will now turn to whether Congress will support or oppose the change through legislation.