# Renaming the Department of Defense the 'Department of War'

> Directed the use of 'Department of War' as a secondary title for the Department of Defense and 'Secretary of War' for the Secretary.

Donald Trump · Foreign Policy · Executive Order · EO 14347 · Sep 5, 2025
Official record: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-17389

## 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 / substantiated] 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 / contested] 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

- [Federal Register: EO 14347](https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-17389)

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Canonical: https://eo.alanwizemann.com/eo/trump/renaming-the-department-of-defense-the-department-of-war