Donald Trump · Republican · Executive Order
Renaming the Department of Defense the 'Department of War' (EO 14347)
Sep 5, 2025
Donald TrumpForeign PolicyExecutive OrderEO 14347Second term (2025–)
📜 View the official record — Executive Order 14347 on federalregister.gov
What happened
Directed the use of 'Department of War' as a secondary title for the Department of Defense and 'Secretary of War' for the Secretary, pending any statutory change by Congress.
How it happened
Executive order; a full legal renaming would require congressional action.
Documented impact
Mixed impactsubstantiated
Adopted as branding while the legal name remains 'Defense.'
The Pentagon began using 'Department of War' in signage and communications; the statutory name change needs Congress.
Negative impactcontested
Critics question cost and symbolism.
Opponents cited rebranding expense and a more militaristic posture; supporters called it a return to historical naming and 'lethality.'
Sources
Every claim above links to its source. Primary record and cited reporting: