President Donald Trump has announced plans to rename the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” arguing that the older title better reflects America’s posture.
On August 25, 2025, Trump raised the idea during an Oval Office meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. He described “defense” as too passive, insisting that the original name carried a stronger and more assertive ring, tied to America’s past victories in the First and Second World Wars.
“Defense is too defensive. And we want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too, if we have to be. So it just sounded to me like a better name,” Trump told reporters. He added that the change could take place “in the next week or so,” and dismissed concerns about congressional approval.
“We’re just going to do it... I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that. I don’t think we even need that,” he said.
