In September 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a title that harkens back to its original designation established during the American Revolutionary War. While the executive order requires Congressional approval to take effect, Trump justified the change by emphasizing a need for military strength and preparedness as critical components of U.S. national security.
The executive order stated, “The Founders chose this name to signal our strength and resolve to the world.” The president argued that the term “Department of War” reflects a commitment to “peace through strength,” showcasing the nation’s readiness to engage in conflict if necessary, rather than solely focusing on defense.
Historical Context of the Name Change
The rebranding of the military’s governing body is not a new phenomenon. The Department of Defense underwent its initial transformation in 1947, following the end of the Second World War. President Harry Truman took significant steps to reshape the military establishment in light of the emerging Cold War. In a message to Congress in December 1945, Truman stated, “I pointed out the necessity of making timely preparation for the nation’s long-range security now.”
Truman’s vision included merging the Army and Navy into a single entity, aimed at enhancing efficiency and coordination within the armed forces. This led to the passage of the National Security Act of 1947, which established the National Military Establishment (NME) and separated the newly formed U.S. Air Force from Army control. The act also created the position of Secretary of Defense, requiring the officeholder to be a civilian or a retired military member for a minimum of ten years.
The evolution of the military structure continued with the establishment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Central Intelligence Agency, underscoring the importance of a unified command and strategic oversight in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Implications of the Name Change
The transition from the War Department to the Department of Defense was partly a response to the negative connotations associated with the term “war.” Some sources suggest that the acronym for the National Military Establishment, when spoken, sounded too much like “enemy,” prompting the change to a less confrontational name. The formal designation as the Department of Defense occurred in 1949, further emphasizing a strategic shift in military policy.
In his discussions about military restructuring, Truman noted the importance of civilian control over the military, a principle that remains a cornerstone of U.S. governance. The revised structure aimed to foster greater inter-service coordination, although it inadvertently led to increased rivalry among the branches, particularly between the Air Force and Navy, as they sought to assert dominance over nuclear capabilities during the Cold War.
Despite the historical significance of the Department of War, the recent executive order reignites debates about military terminology and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. While President Trump’s rationale rests on a desire to project strength, critics may argue that reverting to the term “war” could escalate tensions both domestically and internationally.
The impacts of this decision will unfold as Congress deliberates on the proposed name change. The evolution of the Department of Defense reflects broader narratives about military identity and national security in the United States, a conversation that will continue to resonate in the coming years.
