In a move harking back to pre-1947 America, the White House is exploring renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War. The goal? To project a stronger, more decisive image on the global stage.
The idea, first floated in the early weeks of President Trump’s second term, could be enacted through an act of Congress—or via alternative methods under consideration by White House officials. One proposal involves seeking congressional authority to restore the former name during a national emergency and reviving the title of secretary of war for the department’s top civilian leader.
"The old name had a stronger sound," Trump said recently at the White House. "As Department of War we won everything, we won everything and I think we’re going to have to go back to that." He suggested the change could happen "over the next week or so."
For global audiences—from policy wonks in G20 capitals to startup founders and travelers alike—this rebrand raises big questions: Does a name change shift real power dynamics, or is it symbolic political theater? Stay tuned as the U.S. government considers whether old titles can bring new victories.
Reference(s):
White House mulls plans for 'Department of War,' says report
cgtn.com
