US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is now reportedly the “Secretary of War” after former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the “Department of War”. Mr Trump said the move was intended to project US strength globally, criticising the previous name as “woke” and overly cautious. The Pentagon’s website and office signage have been updated, with Mr Hegseth’s office now displaying the new title, and new stationery is planned.
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Mr Trump has spent months promoting himself for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end wars, receiving nominations from several world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yet, by authorising the Department of War as a secondary title, he sent a markedly different message, emphasising military might over diplomacy. The original War Department existed from 1789 until 1949, when Congress reorganised the army, navy, and air force into the Department of Defence to reflect the nuclear era’s focus on preventing conflict.
Renaming the department will be costly, requiring updated signage, letterheads, and military installation markers worldwide. While Congress must formally approve the change, several Trump allies have proposed legislation to codify the new name. Mr Trump stated: “Defence is too defensive. We want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be,” signalling his preference for a more aggressive posture in US military policy.
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Supporters argue the change honours the military’s history and ethos. Mr Hegseth said the renaming is “not just about words – it’s about the warrior ethos”, while Republican Congressman Greg Steube described it as a fitting tribute to the US Armed Forces’ commitment and lethality. A bill has also been introduced by James Comer to make it easier for presidents to reorganise and rename federal agencies. Historical references to the War Department, including previous email sign-offs by FBI Director Kash Patel, are being highlighted as part of the rebranding’s justification.
