Overview

• Speaking in the Oval Office alongside South Korea's president, President Trump said he wants to restore the pre-1947 'Department of War' name and hinted at details soon.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the president the rebrand is 'coming soon,' reflecting his push to emphasize a stronger, offensive posture.
• Trump said the change could come 'over the next week or so' and asserted he might proceed without Congress, though the agency’s name is set in statute.
• The Pentagon referred questions to the White House as legal observers noted that congressional approval would likely be required for any renaming.
• Sen. Mike Lee said he will introduce legislation to codify the change, and as of Monday no formal action has been taken.