Donald Trump is set to sign another controversial executive order today, rebranding the Pentagon as the Department of War. The order states: “The name ‘Department of War’ conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to ‘Department of Defense,’ which emphasizes only defensive capabilities.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports the change, saying, “We won WWI, and we won WWII, not with the Department of Defense, but with a War Department.” He added, “We want warriors, folks that understand how to exact lethality on the enemy.”
While Hegseth praises the change, critics are skeptical. One Twitter user wrote, “This is so stupid and it’s going to make us a laughing stock in front of both our allies and our enemies.” Others called it a waste of money or a whimsical decision.
Trump has a history of controversial executive orders, including ending birthright citizenship, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, and restricting rights for transgender Americans. On August 25, he also signed an order criminalizing flag burning, calling the flag “the most sacred and cherished symbol” and stating it could “incite violence and riot.” Trump claimed offenders could face up to a year in prison, challenging First Amendment protections.