Trump Proposes Renaming Pentagon as 'Department of War' to Reflect Offensive Strength

President Donald Trump is considering a dramatic rebranding of the Pentagon, proposing to rename the Department of Defense as the “Department of War.” The move, which he argues would better capture America’s military might and offensive posture, is stirring intense debate in political and defense circles.

The proposal, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, underscores the Trump administration’s emphasis on projecting strength over maintaining what it views as symbolic gestures. Trump said the change would “restore a stronger image” and signal America’s commitment to not only defense but also offensive capabilities.

“It used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound,” Trump said in recent remarks. “We want defense, but we want offense too. As the Department of War, we won everything. I think we’re going to have to go back to that.”

The Department of Defense got its current name in 1949 after the National Security Act of 1947, which unified the Army, Navy, and the newly created Air Force under a single umbrella.

Congressional Support and Legislative Path

Changing the name would likely require congressional approval, though the White House is reportedly exploring alternative mechanisms to bypass legislative hurdles. Some support already exists: Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida has introduced an amendment to the annual defense policy bill to endorse the change.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the shift reflects Trump’s focus on strengthening combat readiness rather than prioritizing diversity and inclusion programs within the armed forces.

Military Policy Changes and Controversy

The renaming push comes alongside other controversial moves by the Trump administration, including reshuffling top military leadership and reinstating restrictions on transgender service members. Civil rights groups and some lawmakers warn that these steps could politicize the military and undermine morale.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has echoed Trump’s call for a more aggressive image, arguing that projecting dominance is key in an era of great-power competition with China and Russia.

Critics, however, say the proposal is largely symbolic and distracts from urgent operational and modernization priorities facing the U.S. military.