Former President Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Department of Defense back to its historical title, the Department of War, a move he said could happen within the next week. The proposal aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s efforts to revive what he calls the military’s “warrior ethos.” Both Trump and Hegseth have voiced frustration over the mid-20th-century shift away from the original name.

The Department of War was established in 1789 to manage the U.S. Army. It was renamed the Department of Defense in 1949 under the National Security Act, reflecting a broader mission that included unified military command and collective security during the Cold War. The change was meant to emphasize defense and cooperation rather than solely offensive military operations.

Trump emphasized the symbolic importance of the original name, linking it to America’s military victories in World Wars I and II. Speaking alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump said, “That’s really what it is,” referring to the military’s true role, which he believes should include offensive capabilities, not just defense.

At a NATO summit in June, Trump publicly referred to Hegseth as “Secretary of War,” reinforcing the seriousness of the proposed change. He blamed “political correctness” for the 1949 renaming, claiming that the shift diluted the department’s true purpose and heritage. He pointed to historic buildings near the White House that still bear the older title as justification.

While some supporters believe the name change could be implemented soon, legal experts note that Congressional approval would likely be required since the Department of Defense’s name is set by statute. The proposal could thus spark political and legislative debate.

Trump concluded, “We don’t want to be defense only… We want offense too,” suggesting a strategic and ideological shift behind the potential renaming.