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In early September, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating the Department of Defense’s original name, the Department of War. The designation, used from 1789 until 1947, marks a symbolic return to the nation’s early military roots. It should be noted that Congress continues to use “Department of Defense” and that “Department of War” will serve as an official but secondary name for the department.
When workers at the Pentagon removed “Department of Defense” plaques and replaced them with new bronze signs reading “Department of War,” the reaction was immediate. Images of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth securing the final plaque quickly spread across social media, prompting swift reactions. Supporters praised the move as a bold statement of strength and military pride, while critics argued it projected a shift away from America’s traditional role as a peacekeeping force. Others questioned whether rebranding funds could be better spent on domestic needs or military priorities.
The new plaques—about 30 by 20 inches and weighing roughly 60 pounds—were installed at two prominent Pentagon entrances:
River Entrance: The primary gateway where Secretary Hegseth greets foreign defense leaders and senior officials.
Mall Entrance: Facing the National Mall, this entrance sits beside the Pentagon’s helicopter landing pads.
“We wanted to replace the old signs because we want everyone who walks through these doors to understand we are absolutely serious about this change,” Hegseth said.
But swapping out signage is only a small part of the undertaking. Renaming the Pentagon requires updates across thousands of systems and documents, including:
- IT networks and cybersecurity credentials
- Procurement policies and acquisition regulations
- Diplomatic agreements and NATO documentation
- Signage at more than 4,800 global facilities
- Educational materials and public-facing platforms
Analysts and congressional staff estimate the full rebrand could cost nearly $2 billion, given the scale of revisions required. As a point of comparison, the military’s effort to rename nine bases previously honoring Confederate officers cost $39 million—almost double initial predictions.
The term “Department of War” reflects the institution’s origins.
“We are restoring the department to the tradition of Henry Knox, George Washington, and the founding era—built to fight and win America’s wars when called upon,” Hegseth said.
While the Pentagon originally served as the headquarters of the War Department when it opened in 1943, the name was changed to “Department of Defense” in 1947 to signal a strategy centered on alliances and deterrence rather than constant warfare.
Today’s renaming reflects a broader cultural shift within the department. “We’re rebuilding it. We’re renewing deterrence,” Hegseth said.
—By Michael Metz
