Republicans in Congress introduced legislation Friday supporting President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, restoring the title it held before a mid-20th-century reorganization.
Trump is expected to issue an executive order to begin the change, though congressional approval is required for it to take effect. He is scheduled to speak about the proposal at 4 p.m. EDT.
The legislation is being led by Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Mike Lee of Utah in the Senate, with Rep. Greg Steube of Florida spearheading the effort in the House. “The United States military is not a purely defensive force,” Scott said in a statement. “We are the most lethal fighting force on the face of the planet — ready to defeat any enemy when called upon.” He added that restoring the historic name reflects the country’s purpose “to dominate wars, not merely respond after being provoked.”
The Department of War was established in 1789 under President George Washington and lasted until 1947, when President Harry Truman reorganized the military structure. It was formally renamed the Department of Defense in 1949.
Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been vocal about the proposal, with Hegseth posting “DEPARTMENT OF WAR” in all caps on X Thursday. Trump told reporters last week, “Defense is a part of that, but I have a feeling we’re going to be changing. We had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War.”
