President Donald Trump has proposed reverting the Department of Defense to its original designation, the Department of War. The suggestion, made on August 25, 2025, stems from Trump's belief that the current title, "Defense," is too restrictive and does not fully encompass the nation's military capabilities, which he feels should include both defensive and offensive capacities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has expressed support for the potential renaming, stating that the change is "coming soon." This aligns with Hegseth's vision for a more assertive military stance. An informal poll initiated by Hegseth on the social media platform X in March 2025 revealed that a majority of respondents favored the name change, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk notably commenting, "War is more accurate."
The historical precedent for this proposal is significant. The War Department was established in 1789 and served as the primary military agency until 1949. It was renamed the Department of Defense following the National Security Act of 1947, a restructuring that aimed to centralize authority over the Army, Navy, and the newly formed Air Force under a single Secretary of Defense. The original Department of War had a long history, overseeing the Army since President George Washington's administration.
The transition to the Department of Defense was part of a broader post-World War II reorganization. Some historical accounts suggest the name "Department of Defense" was adopted partly to avoid the acronym NME, which sounded like "enemy." Additionally, the post-war era sought to emphasize a more defensive role for the military.
As of August 26, 2025, the renaming has not been officially implemented. Further details are expected as the administration considers the necessary steps, which may include congressional approval. The debate over the name reflects a broader conversation about the nation's military identity and strategic messaging on the global stage.