Legislation Introduced to Restore “Department of War”
Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Greg Steube (R-FL) unveiled a new law on September 2, 2025, advocating for the return of the historical title “Doctor of War” for the U.S. Department of Defense. This proposal, titled War Repair Act 2025, is co-sponsored by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and has a corresponding bill in the House.
Lee pointed out, “For the first 150 years of our military history, Americans defeated their enemies and protected their homeland under the war division.” He expressed pride in having President Trump support the initiative to restore a traditional federal law, emphasizing the importance of clarity in defending the nation.
Meanwhile, Congressman Steube noted, “From 1789 until the end of World War II, the US military operated under the Department of War. Their bravery set a standard of excellence for future soldiers.” His comments underscored the historical significance of the title.
Senator Scott chimed in, stating that changing the title would better reflect the broader objectives of the military. “The US military is not just defensive. We are the most formidable combat force on the planet. Reviving the war department illustrates our genuine capability to win conflicts,” he added.
The proposed legislation aims to rename the Department of Defense to the War Bureau, changing the title of Secretary of Defense to Secretary of War. Along with this, legal references to the Department of Defense would be updated accordingly.
This proposal follows recent statements by former President Donald Trump, who suggested that such a name change would more accurately depict the nation’s military position. At a meeting on August 25, Trump remarked, “It used to be called the Ministry of War, and that had a stronger resonance… Winning World War II.”
The War Ministry was originally established in 1789 and kept its designation until 1947. That year, the National Security Act was enacted, reorganizing military forces post-World War II and resulting in the creation of the Department of Defense, which subsequently supervised the various branches of the armed services.
