Trump expected to rebrand Defense Department as Department of War

John T. Bennett, CQ-Roll Call on Sep 5, 2025

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is expected to issue an order as soon as Friday intended to change the Department of Defense’s name to the Department of War, the White House press office confirmed Thursday evening.

Trump, who has of late touted his peace-making skills, said recently that he would prefer a more aggressive descriptor for the military department. His move comes as he has pushed to receive the Nobel Peace Prize while seeking worldwide praise for ending “seven wars” since his return to the Oval Office in January.

Trump first teased the name change last month during an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office.

“We’re just going to do it. I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that. I don’t think we even need that,” he said on Aug 25. “Defense is too defensive. We want to be defensive. But we want to be offensive, too — if we have to be.”

The Department of Defense name is defined in U.S. law, having been adopted shortly after World War II.

The White House press office did not respond to a follow-up query asking for any cost estimates to change things such as base signage, letterhead and other items that now include the “Department of Defense” moniker and seal.

During a Cabinet meeting on Aug. 26, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quipped that the nameplate in front of him on the large table could soon need an edit.

“Maybe next time we’re here, my card will read ‘Department of War,’ we’ll see,” the former Army National Guard infantry officer said. “It’s not just about words – it’s about the warrior ethos. It’s about what the department is supposed to do. George Washington started the ‘Department of War’ because he wanted us to win our wars.”

Trump chimed in next, saying: “That’s great.”

“I think I like ‘Department of War’ better,” he said. “But we’ll make that decision, right?”

The name change has the support of at least one House Republican lawmaker as both chambers work on their versions of the fiscal 2026 defense authorization bill.

An amendment to the NDAA introduced by Florida Rep. Greg Steube would formally codify the name switch, reversing a change finalized in 1949 by President Harry Truman.

It’s not clear, however, whether the amendment would be made in order when the House considers its version of the measure later this month.

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—John M. Donnelly contributed to this report.