Overview
- New reporting cites estimates from congressional staff and officials that a full changeover could reach $2 billion, including roughly $1 billion for signage and letterhead.
- Extensive digital work to rewrite internal and external code across DoD systems is flagged as a major cost driver in addition to physical rebranding.
- The Pentagon has updated its website URL, social media handles, and select signage, but many markers still display Department of Defense as the legal name.
- Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell says implementation is underway and no final cost has been set, attributing uncertainty in part to a shutdown furloughing civilian staff.
- Republican bills to formalize the change have been introduced, Democrats requested a CBO estimate and criticized the effort, and some Republicans including Sen. Rand Paul have voiced opposition.