Frank Nez 
Speculation has now surfaced that the United States is going to war after unexpectedly changing the Department of Defense’s name to the Department of War.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who will be rebranded as the Secretary of War, stated that the name change emphasizes a proactive approach to military operations.
On September 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order rebranding the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” reviving a title used until 1947 to project a more aggressive “warrior ethos” for the U.S. military.
The Daily Beast reported that Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who will now be called “Secretary of War,” justified the change by stating, “As Department of War, we won everything,” emphasizing its “stronger sound.”
The move, which requires congressional approval for permanence, coincides with National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., performing litter cleanup duties, sparking criticism amid broader concerns about Trump’s militaristic policies and economic challenges as the 2026 midterms approach.
Details of the Rebranding and Executive Order
Trump’s executive order, signed in the Oval Office, designates “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Department of Defense, allowing its use in official correspondence and ceremonial contexts, per ABC News.
The order directs Hegseth to pursue legislative and executive actions to make the rename permanent, though Trump suggested to reporters, “I don’t know, but we’re going to find out. But I’m not sure they have to,” regarding the need for congressional approval.
Hegseth, speaking at the signing, said, “This name change is not just about renaming, it’s about restoring,” adding, “We’re going to go on offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality,” per BBC.
The Department of War, established in 1789 to oversee the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, was renamed the Department of Defense in 1947 to reflect a post-World War II focus on preventing conflict in the nuclear era, per The Guardian.
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Trump, who first floated the idea in August, argued the original name better conveys “readiness and resolve,” citing U.S. victories in World Wars I and II.
The Pentagon’s website has already redirected to war.gov, signaling immediate implementation.
The White House has not provided a cost estimate, but critics like Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth estimate tens of millions for updating signs, letterheads, and uniforms, referencing a $39 million cost for Biden’s base renaming effort, per Reuters.
National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C., to combat crime have been tasked with cleaning up litter, drawing criticism for misusing military resources.
The National Guard reported that troops “cleaned more than 3.2 miles of roadways, collected more than 500 bags of trash, and disposed of three truckloads of plant waste” in areas like McPherson Square Park, per a statement posted by CBS News’ Scott MacFarlane on X.
The deployment, part of Trump’s federalization of D.C. policing, has been called a “manufactured crisis” by critics like D.C. Council member Zachary Parker, who told Al Jazeera, “This is a manufactured crisis made up by the Trump administration for their own political gain,” noting that crime in D.C. hit a 30-year low in 2024.
Retired Major General Randy Manner called the deployment “100 percent political,” arguing it desensitizes Americans to military presence on streets, per ABC News.
A Washington Post poll showed 80% of D.C. residents oppose Trump’s takeover, with 72% favoring statehood.
Troops, armed with M17 pistols and some with M4 rifles, are not making arrests but reporting incidents to local police, per ABC News.
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Criticism and Political Context
Democratic Senator Andy Kim called it a “childish idea,” stating, “Americans want to prevent wars, not tout them.”
Duckworth questioned diverting funds from military families or diplomacy, accusing Trump of prioritizing political points.
The move aligns with Hegseth’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and ban transgender troops, reflecting a broader “warrior ethos” push.
Trump’s administration faces additional scrutiny, with his approval rating at 39% amid tariff-driven inflation and weak economic data.
A potential government shutdown over a $4.95 billion pocket rescission and controversies like the Epstein files further complicate his leadership.
The rebranding, timed after China’s military parade showcasing new weapons, has been interpreted as a response to global tensions.
The renaming and National Guard deployment highlight Trump’s focus on projecting strength, but critics argue they distract from pressing issues like economic slowdown and a 4.2% unemployment rate.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the GOP faces internal divisions, with figures like Rep. Thomas Massie challenging Trump on other fronts.
The costly rebrand and militarized D.C. presence could alienate voters, shaping the political landscape.
Also Read: GOP Members Now Believe Trump Is Named First In The Epstein Files
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