Trump Renames Pentagon as ‘War Department,’ Change Could Cost Billions: Report

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the “War Department” or “Ministry of War,” according to a Politico report. The move, officials warn, could result in billions of dollars in expenses.

The report noted that many within the Pentagon reacted with “frustration, anger, and complete confusion” over Trump’s order to restructure the department. Officials cited by Politico suggested that implementing the changes would require massive spending, while offering little to no benefit in addressing the military’s most pressing challenges.

A former defense official told the outlet:
“This is entirely for a domestic political audience. It won’t just cost millions, but billions of dollars. And it will have zero impact on Chinese or Russian calculations.”

The official further warned that the rebranding could backfire internationally:
“Worse, it will be used by our adversaries to portray the United States as war-hungry and a threat to global stability.”

According to Politico, the change would involve replacing seals, insignias, and signage across more than 700,000 facilities in all 50 states, along with updates to six military branches and dozens of associated agencies. Everything from official letterheads to global military installations would need revisions.

The report also noted that a formal name change might require congressional approval. However, a person familiar with the discussions claimed that “the White House has looked for ways to bypass a congressional vote.”

Historically, the U.S. Department of Defense was known as the “War Department” until 1949. After World War II, Congress merged the Army, Navy, and newly created Air Force into a unified department. Historians explain that during the nuclear age, the U.S. deliberately shifted focus toward deterrence and conflict prevention, making “Department of Defense” a more fitting title.

Reverting to the older name, experts warn, would not only be costly but symbolically regressive. Beyond the Pentagon’s internal paperwork, the change would ripple across U.S. embassies, bases, and military outposts worldwide.