Donald Trump is set to sign a highly controversial executive order on September 5, rebranding the Pentagon for the first time in decades. The order changes the Department of Defense (DOD) to the Department of War, reviving a title not used since 1947. According to documents obtained by the BBC, the administration intends to use “Department of War” as a secondary title, framing it as a stronger statement of “readiness and resolve” compared to “Defense.”

The directive tasks Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with drafting steps to make the change permanent. Speaking to Fox News, Hegseth defended the move, saying, “We won WWI and WWII not with the Department of Defense, but with a War Department. We’re not just defense—we’re offense.”

Hegseth further emphasized that the rebrand reflects a “warrior ethos,” centered on projecting lethality against enemies. Supporters within Trump’s circle argue the new name symbolizes strength and deterrence in an unstable global environment.

Public reaction has been immediate and largely critical. On social media, the proposal was labeled “stupid,” “wasteful,” and “embarrassing.” Critics argued that the change would undermine U.S. credibility abroad and offer little beyond symbolic posturing.

For decades, the Department of Defense has represented America’s strategic restraint. Opponents warn that reviving “Department of War” risks signaling aggression to allies and adversaries alike, potentially destabilizing international relations.

Trump has long praised the former War Department, frequently pointing to it as part of America’s “unbelievable history of victory.” He has described the Defense title as “weak” compared to the historical alternative. The order, expected to be signed today, has ignited debate over its costs, symbolism, and potential consequences for America’s global image in an already tense international climate.