Department of Defense has formally asked Congress to adopt a sweeping rebrand to "Department of War," a proposal tied to Donald Trump that could cost up to $125 million and require roughly 7,600 changes across federal law, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
The request, submitted April 13 by the Pentagon's Office of General Counsel, seeks to codify a secondary title introduced by executive order in September 2025. While the department has already begun using the "Department of War" designation in communications and signage, a permanent renaming requires congressional approval.
The proposal has quickly become a flashpoint on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are weighing both the financial cost and the symbolic implications of reverting to a name last used more than seven decades ago.
The Department of War designation dates back to 1789, when it was established under George Washington. It remained in place until post-World War II reforms reorganized military leadership, culminating in the 1949 adoption of the modern "Department of Defense" name.
Trump revived the historical title through executive action, describing it as a "much more appropriate" reflection of contemporary global threats. Since then, the Pentagon has implemented partial changes, including updated branding and signage, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth installing a "Department of War" plaque at the Pentagon.
Cost estimates vary sharply. Pentagon officials say implementation has already absorbed much of the expense, projecting approximately $52 million in total costs. The Congressional Budget Office, however, estimates a broader rollout could reach $125 million, warning that a full statutory transition "could cost hundreds of millions of dollars" depending on scope.
Key projected costs include:
- Rebranding across military services and agencies
- Updates to signage, digital systems and official documents
- Legal revisions affecting approximately 7,600 statutory references
The Defense Department argues the change is substantive, not cosmetic. In its proposal, it states: "The revision to the designation of the Department serves as a fundamental reminder of the importance and reverence of our core mission, to fight and win wars."
Republican lawmakers have introduced companion legislation to formalize the change, including proposals from Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott and Representative Greg Steube. Those efforts have yet to advance to a full vote, leaving the measure's legislative future uncertain.
Democrats have sharply criticized the initiative. Senator Jeff Merkley called the rebrand "performative government at its worst," adding, "Instead of prioritising bringing down the cost of groceries or health care, Trump and his cronies are focused on vanity projects like renaming the Department of Defence." Representative Pramila Jayapal echoed the concern, stating, "The American people can't afford groceries, gas, or rent, and the Pentagon has ALREADY wasted $50 million on renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. Now they want more money."
