Overview

• President Trump signed an executive order allowing the Pentagon to use 'Department of War' and titles such as 'secretary of War' in non‑statutory correspondence, public communications and ceremonies.
• The order instructs Secretary Pete Hegseth to propose legislative and executive steps to make the rename permanent, reflecting the administration’s push for a revived 'warrior ethos.'
• Immediate administrative changes followed, with signage updated and the department’s website showing the new styling, including reports that defense.gov now redirects to war.gov.
• Legal experts and reporters note the department’s formal name is set by statute, so lasting changes hinge on Congress despite the White House’s rhetorical shift.
• Republican lawmakers signaled support for codifying the change, while Democrats criticized the move and analysts warned it is primarily symbolic and could carry significant implementation costs.