WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order authorizing the U.S. Department of Defense to adopt the secondary title of the “Department of War”, reviving a historic name first established by President George Washington in 1789. The order, signed on September 5, 2025, reflects the administration’s intent to signal strength and sharpen the department’s focus on projecting military power while maintaining compliance with existing statutory language.
Historical Context and Purpose
In the order, President Trump cited the department’s origins as the United States Department of War, created to oversee the nation’s military and naval affairs. He emphasized that under this name, the United States secured victories in the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, arguing that the original title conveyed resolve and strength to adversaries and allies alike.
“The name ‘Department of War,’ more than the current ‘Department of Defense,’ ensures peace through strength,” the order states, underscoring a shift in emphasis from a primarily defensive posture to one projecting readiness to “fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice.”
Implementation of the Change
Under the executive order:
- The Secretary of Defense may now use the secondary title “Secretary of War” in official correspondence, ceremonial contexts, and public communications.
- The Department of Defense and its components may also adopt the “Department of War” designation in non-statutory documents.
- Subordinate officials — including deputy and undersecretary roles — are authorized to use corresponding secondary titles.
- All federal agencies must recognize and accommodate the new titles where appropriate, provided that their use does not create confusion in legal, statutory, or international contexts.
- Statutory references to the Department of Defense and related offices remain controlling until Congress enacts formal legislative changes.
Next Steps Toward a Permanent Name Change
The order requires the Secretary of War to submit two reports to the president:
- Within 30 days — A notification listing all offices, components, and commands adopting the secondary “Department of War” designation.
- Within 60 days — A formal recommendation outlining the legislative and executive actions needed to permanently rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War.
Until congressional action is taken, the department will continue to operate under its statutory name for legal and international purposes while gradually integrating the restored designation into internal and public communications.
Broader Implications
While the executive order does not immediately change the department’s legal name, it represents a symbolic shift in how the administration seeks to project American military strength. By reviving the historic title, the White House aims to send a strategic message regarding the nation’s willingness to assert its power globally.
The order notes that its implementation must comply with existing laws and appropriations and does not create any new enforceable rights or obligations.
The renaming initiative signals what could become one of the most significant branding shifts for the U.S. military establishment since the Department of Defense was formally created under the National Security Act of 1947.
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