In a significant move, President Donald Trump is anticipated to sign an executive order on Friday that will officially rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This information comes from a White House official and various sources who have reviewed a draft of the executive order, as reported by ABC News.
While the formal renaming of the department would typically require action from Congress, the executive order is expected to allow the new name to be utilized in official correspondence, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense may now be referred to as the Secretary of War, a change that the White House has confirmed.
Trump has hinted at this renaming initiative for several months. Just last month, he expressed to reporters that he believed he did not require congressional approval to implement the name change. “We’re just going to do it. I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that. I don’t think we even need that,” he stated, indicating a confident approach towards this executive action.
This potential renaming reflects a shift in how the federal government may approach military operations and national defense. By adopting the title of the Department of War, the administration may aim to emphasize a more aggressive stance on military affairs. Observers are keen to see how this change will impact both domestic and international relations.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.