President Donald Trump has a new idea to shake up Washington, and this one is not about tariffs or Twitter feuds. On Friday, he plans to sign an executive order that lets the Pentagon call itself the Department of War, dusting off a title last used in 1947. Trump says it projects strength. His critics say it projects something else entirely—mainly a need to stir the pot and rattle his favorite opponents, from Beijing to woke Democrats.
What Trump Is Planning
The order would not legally change the name, since only Congress can do that. But Trump insists details like “the law” are more of a guideline. He told reporters, “We’re just going to do it. I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that.” In the meantime, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will be promoted—at least on social media—to Secretary of War. Hegseth even ran a poll online back in March asking if Americans liked the idea. Surprise, surprise: Trump liked the results.
The executive order explains that “Department of War” conveys readiness and resolve, while “Department of Defense” sounds too much like the United States is hiding behind a shield. Trump himself put it bluntly in August: “Everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War. Then we changed it to Department of Defense.”
The Historical Angle
The Department of War was born in 1789 and lived until after World War II, when it was rebranded as the Department of Defense to sound a little less like the U.S. was spoiling for a fight. Now Trump wants to roll back the clock and relive the glory days, complete with new stationery, new signs, and maybe even a new seal for the Pentagon cafeteria. Critics estimate the full rebrand could cost billions, but for Trump, that’s just the price of nostalgia.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is thrilled, posting “DEPARTMENT OF WAR” in all caps online like a teenager announcing his band’s first gig. Trump fans say the move re-establishes the military’s warrior ethos. Trump critics say it’s just another culture-war stunt. And America’s adversaries, especially China, are probably wondering if this is a serious threat or just another episode of political theater.
Since Hegseth took over, the Pentagon has been busy cleaning house. Diversity programs? Cut. Websites and books that mention uncomfortable history? Removed. Transgender troops? Expelled. The official line is that the military should focus on fighting, not feelings. “Anybody that says diversity is our strength is, is frankly, incorrect,” a Pentagon spokesman declared earlier this year. The Department of War branding seems like the natural next step in the campaign.
The Bigger Picture
The timing is interesting. China just rolled out shiny new weapons and drones in a massive parade, flexing for the world. Trump responds by renaming America’s military machine. He insists it’s about projecting strength. Critics think it’s about trolling his enemies. Either way, the Department of Defense is about to get a new nickname, and Americans may soon have to get used to saying “Department of War” with a straight face.
NP Editor: I can’t help but think that Trump is doing this just to distract and annoy the Democrats, which always works – and perhaps the Chinese. I can’t imagine it really matters to him…
