In a move that’s got everyone talking, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to bring back the old-school title “Department of War” instead of “Department of Defense.” 🔥
According to a White House fact sheet, the order lets the Pentagon, the secretary of defense and their teams use secondary titles like “Department of War,” “Secretary of War” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in official messages and public statements.
“Defense is too defensive,” Trump said last month. “And we want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be. So, it just sounded to me like a better name.”
He’s also asked Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to map out steps—legislation or more executive actions—to lock in the new name for good. But, of course, Congress would have to sign off before any official renaming can happen.
Not everyone’s on board. Critics warn it could cost big 💸 and pull focus from real security priorities. U.S. Senator Andy Kim called it “a childish idea,” saying “Americans want to prevent wars, not tout them.”
Fun fact: The Department of War first launched way back in 1789, steering the U.S. Army through the Revolution-era and both World Wars. It merged into today’s Department of Defense in the late 1940s.
For our crew in South Asia and Southeast Asia, think of it like your favorite esports squad swapping the “Defenders” tag for “Attackers” overnight. Cool branding? Or just hype? 🤔
Whatever your take, this flashpoint in military branding is one to watch—legally and culturally. Stay tuned for how it shapes policy, budgets and the battle of words ahead!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
