(The Hill) — President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he could move soon to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War.
During a meeting with South Korea’s president, Trump praised Pete Hegseth’s influence on what he referred to as the “Department of War.” Trump noted that although it is officially called the Department of Defense, he is considering changing the name, hinting that this idea is well-received.
“You want to know the truth, I think we’re going to have some information on that maybe soon,” he added.
Trump argued it was called the Department of War during U.S. victories in World War I and World War II.
He elaborated that defense is certainly a key component, but he believes a name change might be in order as the department had a strong track record of success when it was known as the Department of War.
The original Department of War was founded by George Washington in 1789 and remained until 1947, when President Harry Truman reorganized it, renaming it the Department of Defense in 1949.
Trump has often referred to Hegseth as the “Secretary of War,” and has highlighted improved military recruitment numbers during his administration.
While the idea of changing the name is being considered, Trump has highlighted his work in negotiating ceasefires in international conflicts, citing successes such as tensions between India and Pakistan and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
He is also making efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with some supporters, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), suggesting he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his initiatives, alongside remarks about his crime reduction efforts in Washington, D.C.
