Former President Donald Trump is preparing to sign a new executive order that has already stirred debate nationwide. According to reports, the measure would officially rebrand the Department of Defense (DoD) as the Department of War, marking the first such change in decades.
Trump, who returned to office earlier this year, has signed numerous executive orders reflecting his administration’s priorities. This latest move, outlined in documents reportedly obtained by the BBC, argues that the word “War” conveys “a stronger message of readiness and resolve” compared to “Defense,” which highlights only protective capabilities.
Support from Pentagon Leadership
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth voiced strong support for the proposal during an appearance on Fox News.
“We won World War I and World War II not with the Department of Defense, but with the Department of War,” Hegseth said. “As the president has reminded us, America isn’t just about playing defense—we’re also about offense. Words, names, and titles matter, and we want the Department to reflect that warrior ethos.”
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