President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War, a move he has long hinted at to emphasize American military strength. In a video released Friday, Trump showcased the new Department of War logo and called the previous name “woke” and less fitting for today’s global challenges.
The announcement follows proposals from Trump’s closest supporters in Congress to codify the new name into law. While Congress alone has the authority to create, close, or rename federal departments, Trump has indicated he may allow the Pentagon to use alternative titles if the legislation does not pass immediately.
Florida Republican Representative Greg Steube, an Army veteran, praised the move, noting that from 1789 until the end of World War II, the U.S. military operated under the Department of War. “Restoring this historic name honors their unmatched commitment and legacy,” Steube said. Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) are also introducing related legislation in the Senate.
Historical Context
The Department of War was originally established in 1789. In 1947, President Harry Truman signed legislation reorganizing the military, creating the Department of Defense to oversee the Army, the Navy, and the newly independent Air Force. Trump criticized this change, saying, “We decided to go woke and change the name to Department of Defense. So we’re going Department of War.”
Pentagon leader Pete Hegseth supported the move, claiming that since the 1947 rebranding, the U.S. has not won a major war. “We’re going on offense, not just defense,” he said. Trump has repeatedly indicated that the renaming is imminent and may involve slightly different titles for the department.
The Broader “De-Woke” Campaign
This renaming is part of a broader effort by Trump and Hegseth to remove what they describe as “woke” ideology from the military. Earlier efforts included reinstating the names of military bases previously named after Confederate leaders, which had been changed following a 2023 congressional review. For example, Fort Bragg now honors Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II paratrooper and Silver Star recipient, rather than Confederate General Braxton Bragg.
Trump’s Department of War initiative signals a return to historical military branding while continuing his administration’s emphasis on patriotism and a more aggressive defense posture.
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