Trump Issues Directive to Rename the Pentagon as the Department of War

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. This decision, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, reflects the department's core mission: winning wars.

The change does not involve any significant geographical alterations, as Trump stated, "We don't have to re-carve a mountain or anything." The exact cost of the change is yet to be determined, with Parnell suggesting that the price tag would be clearer over time.

The order directs Pete Hegseth, who is referred to as the secretary of war in the order, to seek legislative approval for a formal name change. This process requires Congress to pass legislation. Representative Greg Steube and Senator Rick Scott from Florida have introduced measures to make the renaming official, which could be included in the annual defense authorization bill.

The shift dovetails with Trump's bid to project a more aggressive posture for the Pentagon. The name change would be a reversion to past practice, as the Department of Defense was originally named the "Department of War" before being renamed in 1949.

Senator Josh Hawley and Senator Mike Lee of Utah are co-sponsors on the Senate bill supporting President Trump's official renaming request. The change could potentially involve replacing signs and plaques, as a plaque and a sign reading "Pete Hegseth - Secretary of War" are already present at the Pentagon.

Within minutes, the defense.gov website redirected to war.gov, hinting at the immediate implementation of the change. However, Trump stated that the administration knows "how to rebrand without having to go crazy," implying that the cost of the change will be manageable.

Altering the name of a department with a global footprint could have implications for buildings, equipment, documents, websites, and more. Signs at the Pentagon are expected to be replaced with the new name. The order refers to "Department of War" as a secondary title for the Department of Defense.

Trump's decision has sparked debates and reactions, with opinions divided on the significance and implications of the name change. As the process unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will shape the future of the Department of War.