'I don't want to be defense only': Trump's new 'department of war' idea - what is it? August 25, 2025 at 11:53PM

President Trump has expressed interest in renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, believing the latter conveys a stronger image of American military power. He has criticized the term "Defense" as sounding weak and suggested the change reflects a rejection of political correctness. However, such a change would require congressional approval, given the department's legal foundation.