Trump Signs Order to Rename Defense Department

President Donald Trump reportedly signed an executive order on Friday, aiming to revert the Department of Defense to its historical title, the War Division.

According to Fox News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to lead the renaming initiative as part of the administration’s promotion of a “warrior spirit.”

White House officials told Fox News Digital that the announcement of the name change was expected on Friday. The executive order specifies that the title “Department of War” will serve as a secondary designation, alongside traditional terms like “Secretary of War.”

The order also tasks Hegseth with proposing legislative and enforcement measures to officially rename the department.

To carry out this order, officials mentioned that updates will be needed for public websites and signage at the Pentagon, including renaming the “Pentagon War Annex” in the briefing room. They also noted that other long-term initiatives are in progress.

Back in August, the president suggested that a name change was likely, stating that he believed the nation experienced more victories when it was called the Department of War—a title that lasted until 1949 during a post-World War II rebranding.

“Everyone appreciated our impressive record when we were known as the War Bureau,” Trump remarked. “Then it became the Department of Defense.”

Hegseth echoed a similar sentiment in an appearance on *Fox and Friends*.

“We won World War I and World War II. This was the War Department, not just the Department of Defense,” he said. “As the president noted, we’re not just here for defense; we’re addressing threats.”

“We’ve reestablished a warrior spirit in our department,” he continued. “We seek warriors who know how to handle threats decisively. We’re not focused on endless scenarios; we’re defending ourselves. I truly believe that words and titles matter, which is why we’re collaborating closely with the White House on this.”