US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, renaming the Department of Defence as the Department of War. The move revives the department’s original name used from 1789 to 1947. However, the new title will serve as a secondary name, allowing the administration to bypass congressional approval.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said, “We won the first world war, we won the second world war, we won everything before that and in between.” He added, “And then we decided to go woke and we changed the name to the Department of Defence."

Even before the signing, the administration began symbolic changes. Visitors to the Pentagon’s defense.gov website are now redirected to war.gov.

Recent Military Action

The renaming follows a deadly US Navy airstrike that killed 11 people on a small boat in international waters. The military claimed the target was a drug vessel run by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Nevertheless, some legal experts questioned the strike’s legality under international law.

Questioning the Anti-War Image

Trump’s actions clash with his claims of being “the anti-war president.” During his 2024 campaign, he pledged to stop wars and prevent new conflicts. He has also sought a Nobel Peace Prize, claiming he resolved six global conflicts.

Reasoning Behind the Move

Trump argued that the original name reflects military victories and honestly represents the department’s purpose. Furthermore, he said his focus on strength and trade has boosted America’s global position.

The renaming coincides with reports that seven US warships and a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine are heading to the Caribbean after Monday’s strike.

Congressional Approval Needed

Any permanent name change requires Congress. Republican lawmakers, including House member Greg Steube and Senator Mike Lee, introduced legislation to make the change official.

Defence Secretary Comments

Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said, “We’re going to go on offence, not just on defence. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. We’re going to raise up warriors, not just defenders. So this war department, Mr President, just like America is back.”