Trump Signs Executive Order to Rename Pentagon
President Donald Trump wrapped up the week by signing an executive order on Friday to rename the Pentagon as the “War Bureau.” This change allows for titles like “Secretary of War” to be used as an alternative designation for the Department of Defense, according to information released by the White House.
The order instructs Hegses to recommend both legislation and enforcement measures to officially establish the title as the US Department of War. White House officials indicated that implementing this order will require updates to public-facing websites and signage around the Pentagon. For instance, the “Pentagon War Annex” in the Public Relations Office will be renamed.
The United States historically referred to the War Bureau of Military Agency until 1949, when it transitioned to the Department of Defense in line with various reforms from the 1947 National Security Act.
Back in late August, Trump hinted that such changes were on the table. “Everyone liked that there was an incredible history of victory when it was the War Bureau,” he stated to reporters on August 25.
Military Actions Against Drug Traffickers
In addition, Trump reported that a recent US military operation targeting drug-laden Venezuelan ships in the southern Caribbean resulted in the deaths of 11 suspected members of the Tren de Lagua Narco group. He shared footage of the strike on social media, coming shortly after three US Navy-guided missile destroyers intensified efforts to combat narcotics in the region.
“You had a ton of drugs,” he explained on Wednesday. “We’re talking about a massive amount coming into our country that harms many people.” Clearly, he wants to emphasize the severity of the situation.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has been vocal about the escalating tensions, suggesting he wants a government change, claiming military threats are looming. Following the deployment of US destroyers, Maduro stated that Venezuela is prepared to react to any aggression, labeling the military presence in the region as “a lavish, unjust, immoral, and absolutely criminal threat.”
“With this intense military pressure, we’ve declared our utmost readiness to defend Venezuela,” he said during a press conference.
The Pentagon confirmed on Thursday that two Venezuelan aircraft had approached US Navy vessels in international waters, describing the action as provocative and intended to disrupt ongoing counter-drug operations.
Space Command Headquarters Relocation
On another front, Trump announced plans to shift the Space Command’s headquarters from Colorado to Alabama. Currently based at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Trump has long advocated for moving it to Huntsville, Alabama. However, former President Joe Biden had previously stated the command will stay in Colorado.
“The US Space Command headquarters will relocate to a beautiful place called Huntsville, Alabama. From now on, Rocket City will be known forever,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday.
