White House Proposes Renaming Department of Defense to Department of War
In a significant move, the White House announced plans to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This proposal was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and has sparked considerable discussions.
The Department of War was originally founded by Congress back in August 1789 to manage the country’s military efforts. After World War II, its name was changed to the Department of Defense, reflecting a shift towards a more defensive posture.
In a statement, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly highlighted that this change represents a return to traditional U.S. military values. She emphasized President Trump’s belief that the military should adopt an offensive stance rather than just a defensive one. “Our military should be focused on offense — not just defense,” she said, indicating that the administration values military readiness and strength over political correctness.
During a recent event, Trump pointed out the historical significance of the original name, reminding everyone that victories in both World War I and World War II occurred under the Department of War. He believes that returning to this name could re-energize the military’s mission and bring back a sense of purpose. “When it was called the Department of War, we had an incredible history of victory,” he said.
The proposal to change the name comes with the acknowledgment that it could require legislative approval from Congress. However, Trump expressed confidence that Congress would support the initiative if needed. “Defense is too defensive. We want to be offensive too if we have to be,” he remarked.
This potential rebranding reflects a broader commitment to prioritize military effectiveness and combat readiness in an increasingly complex global landscape. It marks a significant step in reshaping military policy under the current administration.


