White House moves forward on plans for a Department of War, WSJ Reports
The Trump administration and allied lawmakers are pursuing legislation to restore the historic 'Department of War' name, emphasizing offensive military strength and legacy.
- On September 2, 2025, Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott, along with Representative Greg Steube, introduced legislation in Washington, D.C. aimed at reverting the U.S. Department of Defense's name back to the Department of War.
- The bill proposes restoring the name "Department of War" to the U.S. military's governing body, reflecting the title used from 1789 until the conclusion of World War II.
- Supporters argue the change symbolizes a clearer, more assertive military posture reflecting the U.S. as an offensive, not just defensive, force, while opponents warn it might encourage more frequent military conflict.
- President Trump remarked that the military department previously known as the War Department had a more impactful name, and he emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between offensive and defensive capabilities, referencing victory in World War I.
- If enacted, the legislation would codify the name change and redesignate all references to the department and its leadership, signaling a shift in how the U.S. officially frames its military role.
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Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Greg Steube Move to Revive ‘Department of War’ Name: 'Americans Don’t Just Play Defense'
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced legislation on September 2, 2025, to restore the original title of the U.S. Department of Defense to the “Department of War.” The measure, called the Department of War Restoration Act of 2025, is co-sponsored by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and includes a companion bill in the House.

Ron Paul: Turn the Department of Defense to the Department of War?
Last week, President Trump took steps to re-name the Department of Defense the “Department of War.” The President explained his rationale for the name change: “It used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound. We want defense, but we want offense too … As Department of War we won everything…and I think we…have to go back to that.” At first it sounds like a terrible idea. A “Department of War” may well make war more likely –…
Florida, Utah Lawmakers Intro Bill To Rename Department Of Defense To 'Department Of War'
Rep. Steube and Sen. Lee introduce legislation to restore the historic name, citing a return to tradition and a focus on “lethality.” A new bill introduced in Congress aims to change the name of the Department of Defense (DoD) back to its historical name, the Department of War. U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator […] Florida, Utah Lawmakers Intro Bill To Rename Department Of Defense To ‘Department Of War’
NEW: Trump To Change Name Of Largest Government Department
The Trump Administration is moving forward with plans to revert the name of the Defense Department back to its original title, the Department of War. Restoring the name of the government’s largest department would likely require congressional approval, though the White House is currently exploring alternative measures, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) filed an amendment to the annual defense policy…
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