In a recent move signaling a shift in military policy from defense to offense, President Trump of the United States has signed an executive order officially renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The change is intended to symbolize a more proactive approach to military affairs. Following this decision, corresponding adjustments have also been made within the White House.
According to reports from Reuters, the Directorate of Defense under the National Security Council has been renamed the Directorate of War. Official titles within the department have also been modified, with positions like Director for Defense now being referred to as Director for War, led by the Special Assistant to the President for War.
Although the official announcement of this renaming has not been made public, insiders have requested anonymity. However, a White House official has confirmed the new name to Reuters and emphasized the direction with the addition of “WAR!” in the message.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently serving as the White House National Security Advisor, has approved of these adjustments earlier this week.
Last week, President Trump signed the executive order to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, restoring its historical title. The Department of War was established in 1789 by George Washington and existed for 158 years until it was reorganized by President Truman in 1947 into the National Military Establishment, later renamed the Department of Defense in 1949.
This change has yet to be confirmed by legislative action in Congress, but the White House has authorized the military to use the new name in various non-legal documents. The Trump administration argues that the term “defense” is too passive and does not adequately reflect the proactive defense and power projection required in the current strategic environment.
The Pentagon’s decision has sparked controversy. Critics are concerned about the extensive costs involved in changing labels and document headers worldwide. However, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared, “This is not just a name change but a reflection of the warrior ethos.”
Observers believe that this renaming reflects America’s intent to more actively address threats and protect both domestic and global interests.
The specific policy implications of renaming the Directorate of War and the Department of War remain unclear. However, the National Security Council, as the highest coordinating body for security decisions in the United States, is responsible for various areas including legislative affairs, intelligence security, and regional policies. The former Directorate of Defense has long overseen military readiness and strategic planning, but specific responsibilities may vary across different administrations.