— President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on to permit the Department of Defense to be referred to as the “Department of War” in official correspondence and ceremonial contexts, while a formal, statutory renaming would still require action by Congress.
Key Takeaways
- Trump is expected to sign the executive order on Sept. 5, 2025, according to ABC News reporting.
- The order would allow non‑statutory and ceremonial use of the name “Department of War.”
- A change to the department’s legal name requires legislation passed by Congress.
- The White House confirmed the Secretary of Defense may use the title “Secretary of War.”
- ABC reporters Hannah Demissie, Anne Flaherty and Katherine Faulders cite a White House official and sources familiar with a draft order.
- President Trump has publicly signaled this move for months and has questioned the need for congressional approval.
- This is a developing story and details of the order and its scope remain limited.
Verified Facts
ABC News reporters Hannah Demissie, Anne Flaherty and Katherine Faulders reported that a White House official and sources familiar with a draft of the document said the president will sign the order on Sept. 5, 2025. The reporting states the order would permit use of the alternative name in official correspondence and in ceremonial or non‑statutory materials.
The Department of Defense’s statutory title is established by federal law. Changing that legal name would require an act of Congress; an executive order cannot by itself alter statutory language, legal codes, or funding authorizations.
The White House confirmed to reporters that, under the planned directive, the Secretary of Defense could adopt the title “Secretary of War” in official or ceremonial settings. Reporters also note President Trump has publicly discussed the rename for months and told reporters last month he did not believe congressional approval was necessary.
Context & Impact
The proposed change carries symbolic and practical consequences. Historically, the U.S. maintained a War Department until the National Security Act and related legislation reorganized military departments into the Department of Defense in 1947. Reverting to “Department of War” evokes that pre‑1947 structure and may carry strong rhetorical meaning domestically and abroad.
Legally, an executive order that allows alternate naming for correspondence would not alter the department’s statutory authorities, budget lines, or oversight mechanisms controlled by Congress. Nonetheless, the move could prompt congressional hearings, judicial challenges, and public debate about civil‑military norms and civilian control.
Operationally and diplomatically, allies and partners may seek clarifications about whether the change signals policy shifts. Within the U.S. military and civilian workforce, reactions are likely to vary by service branch and political affiliation, affecting morale and internal communications until the scope is clarified.
Official Statements
The Secretary of Defense may also use the title of Secretary of War.
White House (as reported)
Unconfirmed
- Whether the order text is final and the precise language to be used in federal correspondence.
- Claims that Congress will automatically accept a statutory name change without formal legislation.
- Any immediate operational changes to department structure or authorities beyond naming conventions.
Bottom Line
The planned executive order would allow the executive branch to use the name “Department of War” in certain contexts, but it cannot, on its own, change the department’s legal status. Expect further reporting, potential congressional responses, and legal analysis in the days after the signing.