US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order directing the Department of Defense to adopt “Department of War” as a secondary title, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to be styled as Secretary of War. He said the new name would better project US strength and readiness, though a permanent change would require congressional approval.
The War Department, created in 1789, was renamed after World War II. Trump’s move, his 200th executive order, comes amid China’s recent military show of force. While the White House has not disclosed the cost, reports suggest the rebrand could run into billions, covering emblems, uniforms and digital systems. Trump and Hegseth argue the change will restore a “warrior ethos” to the armed forces.