President Trump declared he will push to restore the Pentagon’s historic name, saying the U.S. should project “offense, not just defense,” even hinting he may bypass Congress.
In a move guaranteed to ignite political debate, US President Donald Trump announced Monday that his administration will seek to rename the Department of Defense back to the Department of War—its original title until the aftermath of World War II.
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, said the name change better reflects America’s mission and history:
“When we won World War I, World War II, it was called the Department of War. And to me, that’s really what it is.”
Joined in his vision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump emphasized the restoration of what he called the Pentagon’s “warrior ethos.” He argued that America’s military should not be seen as purely defensive:
“I don’t want to be defense only. We want offense too.”
The President further hinted that he may move forward even without legislative approval. When reminded that renaming the department would require an Act of Congress, Trump responded bluntly:
“We’re just going to do it. I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that.”
The Department of War, established in 1789, was formally renamed the Department of Defense in 1949 to reflect a postwar shift in U.S. strategy. Trump’s announcement signals a dramatic symbolic reversal, likely to spark fierce debate over whether the change represents strength—or dangerous militarism.
