Trump Warned Pentagon Renaming To 'Department Of War' Could Make US A Laughing Stock

Donald Trump is preparing to sign yet another executive order today (September 5), and this one is already sparking plenty of debate.

Throughout his time back in office, Trump has leaned heavily on executive orders, often signing several in a single day with his trademark bold signature. Some of these orders have been widely criticized, including what he once called his 'big beautiful bill.'

Now, his latest move is shaping up to be just as divisive.

This time, Trump is ready to approve a measure that would officially rebrand the Pentagon for the first time in decades. The plan calls for changing the Department of Defense (DoD) to the Department of War, according to documents reviewed by the BBC.

The order reportedly emphasizes that the new title should be used as a secondary name. It explains the reasoning behind it with the words: "The name 'Department of War' conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to 'Department of Defense,' which emphasizes only defensive capabilities."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pictured with President Trump earlier this week Alex Wong/Getty Images

The proposal also directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to bring forward both legislative and executive options that would make the Department of War name permanent.

Speaking about the change on Fox News, Hegseth explained: "We won WWI, and we won WWII, not with the Department of Defense, but with a War Department, with the Department of War. As the president has said, we're not just defense, we're offense."

He further stressed his view by adding: "We've reestablished at the Department the warrior ethos. We want warriors, folks that understand how to exact lethality on the enemy."

"We don't want endless contingencies and just playing defense. We think words and names and titles matter. So, we're working with the White House and the president on it. Stand by."

While Hegseth strongly supports the renaming, many Americans have voiced serious objections, saying it sends the wrong message.

The bill that will see the DOD's name officially changed is expected to be signed today Getty Stock Image

One angry Twitter user vented: "This is so stupid and it's going to make us a laughing stock in front of both our allies and our enemies,"

Another chimed in with: "Renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, because it is more intimidating to our adversaries, is stupid."

Someone else questioned the decision outright, writing: "I don't understand why he wants to do this? Just a whim?"

A different critic pointed out: "Changing the name of DoD to Department of War is dumb for lots of reasons, but not least of which is it's just a huge waste of money."

Others even compared the plan to Trump’s earlier move to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, a controversial decision his administration claimed became 'official' earlier this year.

Trump, however, has argued that the United States enjoyed an 'unbelievable history of victory' when the Pentagon operated under the Department of War name before it was officially changed in 1947.

So what’s your take — should the Pentagon go back to being called the Department of War, or is the old name best left in the past?