Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores the United States Department of War

Summary — Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores the United States Department of War

President Trump signed an Executive Order restoring the historic name “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Department of Defense, marking his 200th Executive Order. The order allows officials to use titles like “Secretary of War” and directs agencies to recognize them, while also instructing the Secretary of War to recommend steps to permanently rename the Department.

The White House frames this move as projecting strength, resolve, and readiness, arguing that “Department of War” conveys greater power than “Department of Defense.” The fact sheet highlights historical precedent, noting the original Department of War (1789) led America through key victories in the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, and quotes George Washington: “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”

The administration ties the change to Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine — citing military readiness, national pride, the Army’s 250th birthday parade, a strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and record-high recruiting numbers — as proof of renewed U.S. military power and resolve under his leadership.