Trump Proposes Renaming Defense Department to "Department of War" to Emphasize Offensive Capability

President Trump Signs Executive Orders In The Oval Office Of The White House © Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2025 — President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are advocating to rename the Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” a title not used since 1949, to emphasize a more aggressive military posture. Speaking in the Oval Office during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump argued that the name “Department of War” better reflects America’s military strength, citing U.S. victories in World War I and World War II. “Defense is too defensive,” Trump said. “We want offense too.”

Hegseth, who has referred to the change as “coming soon,” has long supported reviving the pre-1947 name, as outlined in his 2024 memoir The War on Warriors. In a March 2025 X poll, 54.3% of 203,400 respondents favored “Department of War” over the current name, with Hegseth arguing it aligns with the military’s core mission of winning wars. The proposal follows Trump’s repeated references to Hegseth as “Secretary of War” and his claim that the 1949 renaming to “Department of Defense” stemmed from political correctness.

The Department of War, established in 1789 under President George Washington, oversaw military operations until the National Security Act of 1947 reorganized it into the National Military Establishment, which became the Department of Defense in 1949 to reflect a post-World War II focus on deterrence and civilian leadership. Legal experts note that renaming the department would likely require congressional approval, as the 1947 and 1949 changes were enacted through legislation. Trump, however, dismissed this concern, stating, “We’re just going to do it. I’m sure Congress will go along.”

Critics, including University of New Haven professor Matthew J. Schmidt, argue the name change signals a return to outdated notions of warfare, ignoring the modern military’s role in preventing conflicts, especially in a nuclear era. “It’s antithetical to the ethical standards of the U.S. military,” Schmidt said. Others, like California Governor Gavin Newsom, have called it a distraction from pressing domestic issues. Meanwhile, supporters on X, including Elon Musk, back the change, with Musk stating, “War is more accurate.”

The White House has indicated an announcement could come within weeks, though no formal plan has been detailed. The move aligns with Trump’s broader agenda, including deploying National Guard units to address crime in Washington, D.C., and proposed actions in Chicago, despite opposition from local leaders. Any name change would involve significant logistical updates to military branding, documents, and facilities, potentially costing millions.