Trump rebrands Pentagon, reviving 'Department of War' title
US President Donald Trump has renamed the Department of Defense, the Pentagon, to the Department of War.
This is a title the department also held after World War II, until 1947. Officials say the president is trying to emphasize the Pentagon's role in a bid to deter conflict.
"I think it's a much more fitting name, especially considering the world's current situation. We have the world's most powerful military and best equipment. And we have, by far, the largest manufacturers of military equipment," Mr Trump stated.
Under a presidential executive order, the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and his deputy will now be named "Secretary of War" and "Deputy Secretary of War."
"This Department of War, Mr President, is back, just like America. We will set the tone: America First. Peace through the power the Department of War brings," Mr Hegseth declared.
Name changes for departments are rare and require congressional approval, but Mr Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the party's congressional leaders have not so far opposed any of the president's initiatives. Critics consider the move costly, not least because it would require updating signs and documents at US military installations worldwide. The White House has not yet announced how much the rebranding will cost, but press estimates suggest the cost could be as high as $1bn. The Department of War was first established by President George Washington when he created the country's army. The name was later changed in 1949 as part of a broader military reorganisation under President Harry Truman.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
