Prior to last week’s Executive Order signed by President Donald J. Trump, which formally established the Department of War (DoW) as an official alias for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) had already introduced legislation in the Senate seeking a formal name change. Lee’s bill aimed to replace the Department of Defense title, in use since 1949, with the Department of War, arguing that the term more accurately reflects the military’s mission.
The timing of Trump’s Executive Order has drawn attention to Lee’s proposal, as it suggests both the White House and certain lawmakers are aligned on rebranding the Pentagon under a historic designation once used until the mid-20th century.
Supporters claim the change enhances transparency about the department’s role, while critics say it signals a more aggressive U.S. military stance in global affairs.
The Executive Order now ensures that “Department of War” will coexist as an official alias for the DoD, but the outcome of Lee’s legislative effort could determine whether the new name becomes the department’s permanent legal title. Debate continues in Congress over the potential implications of such a change on U.S. defense identity and foreign policy messaging.
