Summary
President Trump plans to change the name of the Department of Defense back to its earlier name, the Department of War. He intends to do this through an executive order, which will allow Defense Department officials to use the term "war" in their titles.
Key Facts
- President Trump wants to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.
- Trump plans to sign an executive order for this name change.
- The Department was originally called the War Department until 1949.
- A White House fact sheet says "Department of War" will be a "secondary title."
- Defense Department officials could use titles like Secretary of War.
- It is unclear if Congress needs to approve this change.
- The original name change to Department of Defense unified military branches under one department.
- Changing signs and titles could be expensive; past changes cost up to $39 million for fewer changes.
