On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense to the War Bureau.
Just before the signing at the Oval Office, Pete Hegses, the secretary overseeing the department, mentioned that the name change reflects a desire to adopt a more aggressive military stance. He remarked, “We are restoring the President and the warrior spirit that you have led us to.” He expressed that the new division intends to engage in decisive conflict rather than prolonged wars. “We are not just going to attack; we will also defend, prioritizing impact over uncertain legality,” he added.
The order includes a secondary title for Hegses, referring to him as the “War Secretary.” It states that the Secretary of Defense can use this title in official and public communications.
Background on the Department of Defense
The War Bureau and Navy Department were original cabinets since the nation’s founding, but in 1947, they merged with the Air Force Department, leading to the formation of the Department of Defense two years later.
Trump indicated that the name change, which had remained since 1947, aimed to address the “political correctness” he believes has hindered military effectiveness. He asserted, “We haven’t won a major war since its reorganization. We could have won, but we prioritized being politically correct.” He suggested that with minor adjustments, previous conflicts could have been resolved more favorably.
Potential Congressional Involvement
Changing the department’s name likely requires Congressional action, making the authority of the executive order uncertain.
When asked about Congressional involvement, Trump admitted uncertainty, saying he would propose the change to lawmakers. “I’m not sure, but we’ll find out,” he noted, expressing doubts about whether Congress’s approval is necessary.
He also mentioned that the financial impact of changing signs and materials related to the department would be minimal. The order instructs that within 60 days, the Secretary of War must provide a formal recommendation to the President to permanently change the name.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who heads a subcommittee that deals with defense matters, remarked on social media that merely changing the name without substantial financial investment wouldn’t be effective. “If we redefine it as the War Division, we need the resources to actually win conflicts,” he stated. “Achieving a position of strength requires more than just a rebranding effort.”
