Donald Trump is set to sign a controversial executive order on September 5 that rebrands the Department of Defense (DOD) as the Department of War—a title not used since 1947. Documents obtained by the BBC reveal that the new label will serve as a secondary title, intended to project a stronger sense of “readiness and resolve.” The move represents a symbolic shift in how the administration views military posture and national security.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been directed to develop a plan to formalize the rebranding. Speaking on Fox News, Hegseth defended the decision by referencing U.S. military history. “We won WWI and WWII not with the Department of Defense, but with a War Department,” he said. “We’re not just defense—we’re offense.” He framed the change as a return to a “warrior ethos” that prioritizes strength and forward-facing power.

Supporters within Trump’s circle argue the new name reflects a more assertive stance in an increasingly unstable global landscape. They believe the term “Defense” suggests passivity, while “War” conveys a message of deterrence through strength. The administration sees the rebrand as aligning U.S. military identity with modern geopolitical realities.

However, the reaction from the public and policy analysts has been swift and largely critical. Many took to social media to denounce the change as “stupid,” “wasteful,” and “unnecessarily aggressive.” Critics argue the shift could send the wrong message to both allies and adversaries, potentially escalating tensions abroad.

For decades, the Department of Defense has symbolized measured power and strategic restraint. Trump, however, has repeatedly criticized the title as “weak,” calling for a return to what he sees as the more victorious and assertive branding of the past. With the order expected to be signed today, the debate over its meaning and implications is just beginning.