President Trump signed an executive order Friday to change the Department of Defense’s name.
“The name ‘Department of War,’ more than the current ‘Department of Defense,’ ensures peace through strength, as it demonstrates our ability and willingness to fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice, not just to defend,” Trump wrote in the order. “This name sharpens the Department’s focus on our own national interest and our adversaries’ focus on our willingness and availability to wage war to secure what is ours.”
The order says the new name is “secondary” and that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth can now use the “secondary title” of Secretary of War. Hegseth began using that title Friday. USA Today reported in a backgrounder article that Congress would need to approve the name change. Trump previously said he was confident Congress would go along.
The Cost of Change
Politico reported that some in the Pentagon are frustrated and confused as they try to understand the logistical and fiscal implications, including changing the seal around the world. “This includes everything from letterhead for six military branches and dozens more agencies down to embossed napkins in chow halls, embroidered jackets for Senate-confirmed officials and the keychains and tchotchkes in the Pentagon store,” the article noted.
McConnell Challenges Trump to Boost Budget
Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the administration could go further than a name change. “If we call it the Dept. of War, we’d better equip the military to actually prevent and win wars,” McConnell wrote on social media. “Can’t preserve American primacy if we’re unwilling to spend substantially more on our military than Carter or Biden. ‘Peace through strength’ requires investment, not just rebranding.”
DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aiko Bongolan
