Summary
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to change the name of the Department of Defense to the "Department of War". This name change is part of a shift away from current ideologies in the military, but for a permanent change, Congress must pass new legislation.
Key Facts
- President Trump changed the Department of Defense's name to the "Department of War" via an executive order.
- The department was last called the Department of War from 1879 to 1947.
- A permanent name change needs Congress to pass new legislation.
- Trump argues the change reflects a desire for military victory and a move away from "woke" ideology.
- The Secretary of Defense will also be referred to as the "Secretary of War".
- The name change is symbolic unless Congress legislates it.
- Trump has made other symbolic changes, like renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in official terms.
- Trump has also announced more military actions targeting alleged criminals, labeled as "narco terrorists".
