President Donald Trump is moving to dramatically rebrand the U.S. Department of Defense, reviving its historic name—the Department of War—in what the administration calls a push to project “strength and resolve.”

Trump is expected to sign an executive order today, September 5, authorizing the use of the name “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Pentagon. The move also directs that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth be referred to as Secretary of War in official and public-facing communications.

“The name ‘Department of War’ conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to ‘Department of Defense,’ which emphasizes only defensive capabilities,” the order reportedly states, according to the BBC.

While the executive order allows for immediate secondary use of the new title, any formal renaming of the department will ultimately require congressional approval. The order instructs Secretary Hegseth to begin recommending both legislative and executive actions to move toward a permanent change.

Hegseth, a Trump loyalist, appeared to endorse the rebranding, reposting a Fox News post about the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “DEPARTMENT OF WAR” in all caps.

A Return to Historical Roots

The Department of War is not a new invention—it was originally created under President George Washington in 1789. The name was dropped after World War II, when the department was reorganized and renamed the Department of Defense in 1949, to better reflect post-war diplomatic priorities and the emergence of the Cold War.

Trump, however, has often questioned the messaging behind the modern title. During a recent campaign stop, he argued that the U.S. had “an unbelievable history of victory” under the original name.

“I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that. I don’t even think we need that,” Trump said last week. “But if we need that, I’m sure Congress will go along.”

Rebranding Costs and Criticism

The proposed rebrand is already raising eyebrows—not just for its aggressive symbolism, but for the potential cost. A full overhaul would likely require billions of dollars, including updates to:

• Uniforms and insignia
• Agency signage and seals
• Military communications systems
• Email addresses, websites, and documentation

Critics argue that such a high-cost rebranding could undermine efforts to reduce Pentagon spending and streamline defense operations.

The White House has yet to release a full cost estimate, but U.S. media outlets suggest the price tag could be substantial—especially at a time when lawmakers are battling over defense budgets and national debt.

Strategic Messaging or Political Theater?

Supporters of the change view it as a return to unapologetic American strength, aligning with Trump’s broader “America First” foreign policy stance.

But critics warn the rebrand risks sending the wrong message on the global stage, potentially stoking tension with adversaries and undermining efforts at diplomacy.

Still, Trump appears undeterred.

“This is about clarity, focus, and power,” an unnamed senior administration official told reporters. “It’s a name that says exactly what we’re prepared to do to protect American interests.”