In a move that has sparked a wave of national and international controversy, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reinstate the name "Department of War" as a secondary title for the Pentagon. Flanked by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth at a White House signing ceremony, the U.S. president hailed the change as a bold “message of victory” to the rest of the world and a sign of strength that moves away from what he calls the institution's "too defensive" and "woke" image.
The name, which was in effect for more than 150 years, from 1789 to 1947, is seen by the Trump administration as a return to a mindset of power and confrontation. According to the president, the current name, which has been in use for over seven decades, is a symbol of an era of political correctness that, in his view, has harmed the nation's military capabilities. "We could have won every war, but we really chose to be very politically correct or wokey," Trump said. The decision reflects a worldview in which force is the best tool for projecting U.S. influence.
A New Nameplate, an Old Ethos
Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth, a combat veteran and former TV host, has enthusiastically embraced the measure. Shortly after the signing, Hegseth posted a video on social media of a new nameplate reading "Secretary of War" being affixed to his office door, a gesture loaded with symbolism. For Hegseth, the change is not just about a simple name change but about “restoring the warrior ethos” of the U.S. military.
"Maximum lethality, not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. We’re going to raise up warriors, not just defenders," Hegseth stated. This approach aligns perfectly with the Trump administration's security policy for his second term, which seeks to project power without apologies, both at home and abroad. This philosophy has guided recent actions, such as the deployment of U.S. forces in the Caribbean to counter drug cartels and a military strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
The Congressional Dilemma and the Cost of Rebranding
Trump’s decision is, for now, largely symbolic, as he cannot formally change the Pentagon’s name without approval from the U.S. Congress. However, his executive order authorizes the use of "Department of War" as a secondary title, which has allowed the Pentagon to begin using the new name unofficially. This legal limitation has not stopped the administration's push to carry out the reform.
Although the White House has not revealed the exact cost of the name change, experts and media outlets estimate the figure could reach billions of dollars. The change would involve overhauling hundreds of agencies, emblems, email addresses, stationery, and uniforms. A Pentagon official told the press that cost estimates would fluctuate and a clearer number would be available at a later time. For critics, this expenditure is unacceptable and represents a simple, costly "political stunt" that distracts from more important issues.
Contradictions and Opposition Critique
The move has been called a provocation by Democrats, who have dismissed it as a political stunt by the billionaire. A particularly notable point of contention is the apparent contradiction between this move and Trump’s ongoing campaign to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump has claimed that his administration has ended several global conflicts, which, for many, clashes head-on with the rhetoric of "war" he is now promoting.
Trump's decision is also part of a broader reform promoted by Hegseth, who has publicly attacked policies from previous administrations that they consider "woke." Hegseth has sought to expel transgender troops from the military and restore the names of bases that once honored Confederate soldiers after they were renamed during Joe Biden's presidency. For opponents, this name change is a reflection of a more radical agenda that seeks to undo progressive policies and project an image of unrestrained power.
Ultimately, the return of the name "Department of War" is more than a simple rebrand. It is a reflection of the Donald Trump administration's vision for projecting national security and U.S. power on the global stage. Its symbolic, albeit not legally complete, implementation has generated an intense debate about history, militarism, and the role of the United States in the world. The final cost and true impact of this controversial decision remain to be seen.
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