President Trump Considers Reverting the Department of Defense to the “Department of War”

President Trump has indicated that he may rename the Department of Defense back to its historic name, the “Department of War.” He believes this title has a stronger and more fitting connotation, reflecting the agency’s true military role.

During a discussion in the Oval Office, Trump expressed his support for the change, suggesting Congress would likely endorse it if necessary. He remarked, “‘Defense’ is too defensive. We want to be defensive, but we need to be offensive if required.” He also referenced historical military victories, saying, “As Department of War, we won everything,” referencing the World Wars, and implied that reverting to that name could restore a winning mindset.

The name “Department of War” was used from 1789 until 1947, when Congress split the Army and Air Force into separate departments, creating the National Military Establishment, later renamed the Department of Defense in 1949.

Trump criticized the current title after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned the department’s work at the southern border and during a crime crackdown in D.C. Trump questioned, “Why are we defense?” and suggested returning to the previous title associated with American military success. Hegseth hinted that this change might be forthcoming.

Later, during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump indicated that “everybody likes” the idea of re-establishing the Department of War and that an official announcement could come soon. Some lawmakers, including Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), have already announced plans to introduce legislation to restore the historic name, emphasizing it encapsulates the full scope of U.S. military power.