Washington (US), September 5 (Kiran News) — The White House has confirmed that President Donald J. Trump will sign an executive order on Friday to rename the Department of Defense as the “War Department.” The move restores the title used until shortly after World War II and fulfills Trump’s campaign promise to reorganize the military’s mission.
According to a report by The New York Times, the decision — anticipated for some time — underscores Trump’s push to reshape the armed forces with a more aggressive image, highlighting war-fighting capabilities rather than what he and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describe as “awareness” initiatives. They have argued that such measures under former President Joe Biden weakened both morale and mission clarity within the military.
Trump first floated the idea in August during an Oval Office discussion, saying, “It just sounds better. I think we have to go back to it.” He noted that the change would evoke America’s record of victories under the department’s old name during the First and Second World Wars.
Last month, in a Truth Social post praising Hegseth, Trump even referred to him as “Secretary of War,” hinting at the planned shift.
However, the department’s current name — along with the title of Defense Secretary — was established through congressional legislation. This raises questions over whether Trump’s executive order can take immediate effect or whether congressional approval will be required. Despite this, Trump has expressed confidence that the change will be formally sanctioned.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.