Overview

• In Oval Office remarks Monday, Trump said the change could come “over the next week or so” as Hegseth replied it was “coming soon.”
• Reporting notes the department’s name stems from post–World War II statutes, prompting doubts that the executive branch can make the switch without Congress.
• The Pentagon directed inquiries to the White House, and no formal step to implement a renaming has been announced.
• Trump framed the move as restoring a “warrior ethos,” pointing to past wartime victories and saying he wants offense as well as defense.
• Sen. Mike Lee said he would introduce legislation to restore the name, and Hegseth previously polled followers who favored “Department of War.”