Trump Renames Pentagon: Department of Defense Rebranded as ‘Department of War’

In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump signed his 200th executive order on September 5, renaming the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of War. The change marks the first time in nearly 80 years the Pentagon has reverted to its pre-1949 title.

Trump, 79, defended the decision from the Oval Office, calling the rebrand a rejection of “woke” politics. “We won World War I, we won World War II, and then we decided to go woke and changed the name. We’re going back to the Department of War—it sends a message of victory,” he declared.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, now officially titled Secretary of War, echoed Trump’s sentiment, promising a shift in tone. “We’re going to fight to win, not just to lose. Maximum lethality, not political correctness. Warriors, not just defenders,” he said.

The announcement sparked immediate backlash. Critics, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, called it a dangerous distraction, while veterans voiced concern that the new name implies America is “in the business of war.”

Meanwhile, the Pentagon’s website quietly updated to war.gov, cementing the rebrand.