In a shocking political move, Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy. On Friday, he signed an executive order officially renaming the Department of Defense as the “Department of War.” This symbolic shift sparked an immediate wave of reactions across the country. According to reports, Trump called the old name “woke” and said the rebrand sends a “message of strength” to the world.
Trump Explains Why He Renamed The Pentagon
During the signing ceremony, Trump wasted no time telling his supporters why the change was necessary. He straight up said the name “Department of Defense” sounded weak and didn’t capture the full force of America’s military. His exact words: “I think it sends a message of victory. I think it sends, really, a message of strength.” He made it clear the shift wasn’t just about branding—it was about flexing U.S. power in a way the whole world couldn’t ignore.
Even before Congress fully approves the change, the Pentagon already started switching things up. The official website is now listed as war.gov, and signs inside Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office have been replaced. Trump even said fresh stationery with the new title is rolling out. Critics, however, are questioning the timing of this move, especially as Trump had previously tied his name to the Nobel Peace Prize in his campaign messaging. That shift from “peace” to “war” is already making headlines.
Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Bold Words
Pete Hegseth, now dubbed the “secretary of war,” stood right beside Trump at the ceremony and made his own powerful statement. “We’re going to go on offense, not just on defense,” he said, adding that the military will embrace “maximum lethality” and won’t be “politically correct.” That choice of words hit hard. It wasn’t just about renaming a department—it was about setting a tone for how the military sees itself under Trump’s leadership. Supporters are hyping it as unapologetic strength, while critics are calling it reckless.
The move is still waiting on Congress to make it fully official, but with Trump’s allies already pushing legislation, it seems clear the fight has just begun. If approved, this rebrand could be one of the boldest shifts in U.S. military history since the Pentagon was first created.
Public And Political Reaction To Trump’s “Department of War” Move
Unsurprisingly, social media lit up the moment this news broke. Trump’s base praised him for cutting through “woke” culture and bringing back a hard stance on military power. His critics, on the other hand, slammed the move as nothing more than political theater designed to rally his followers. Some military veterans expressed concern that the rebrand shifts America’s global image from one of protection to aggression.
Several lawmakers also spoke out. Trump loyalists in Congress backed the plan and even introduced a bill to lock in the new title. Opponents warned it could spark diplomatic backlash, especially among U.S. allies who have long relied on America for security.