Trump renaming the Pentagon to the 'Department of War' through an executive order

In a move that has stirred controversy, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to rename the Department of Defense as the "Department of War." The shift, framed by supporters as a symbolic restoration, has been met with a mix of reactions.

Trump justified the change, stating that the original name of the department was altered to be "politically correct." He believes the new title better reflects a new attitude for the U.S. military. The last time the title "Department of War" was used was in the aftermath of World War Two.

Former Pentagon official and current FBI Director Kash Patel recalled using the "War Department" phrase in correspondence during Trump's first term. Patel views the change as a tribute to the history and heritage of the Department of Defence.

However, the renaming of the Pentagon will come with a cost. Updates across military installations worldwide will be required, making the change expensive. The previous effort under President Joe Biden to strip Confederate names from nine Army bases was expected to cost $39 million.

Trump added that he believes Congress will go along with the renaming if needed. Republican Senator Rick Scott from Florida introduced a legislative proposal to rename the Department of Defense to the "Department of War." Republican Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott, along with House member Greg Steube, introduced legislation on Friday to enshrine the change.

The order instructs current Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to recommend further executive and legislative measures needed to make the renaming permanent. Hegseth, who has long pushed for the rebrand, said, "We're going to go on the offense, not just on defense. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality."

While department name changes traditionally require congressional approval, Trump suggested he may not need a vote. Critics argue the new change is an unnecessary distraction. Hegseth, however, maintains that changing the name is "not just about words - it's about the warrior ethos."

The change at the Pentagon's Arlington headquarters has already been implemented. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's title has been changed to "Secretary of War," and that of his deputy, Steve Feinberg, to "Deputy Secretary of War."

Trump's decision adds to a string of controversial moves to reshape the Pentagon. The renaming effort was reversed earlier this year by Hegseth. Whether this change will stand the test of time remains to be seen.