The Big Story

Trump's Department of War rebrand

President Trump on Friday signed an order to formally change the Department of Defense to the Department of War, framing the rebrand as a signal of American strength.

© AP Photo/Mike Pesoli

Trump signed an executive order that authorizes the name change for the agency, and for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s title to shift to secretary of War. A permanent name change will require an act of Congress.

In explaining the change, Trump cited America’s track record of military success under the Department of War moniker through World War II and claimed that the U.S. military underwent a change in attitude under the Department of Defense name. He suggested previous drawn out wars under the old moniker were the result of political correctness.

See Full Page