(MENAFN) On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive directive officially changing the name of the Department of Defense to the ‘Department of War.’

This action aligns with Trump’s wider agenda to display power internationally and eliminate what he describes as “woke ideology” from the armed forces.

Historically, the agency was known as the Department of War from its inception in 1789 until 1947. It was then renamed by President Harry Truman during a comprehensive restructuring following World War II.

Trump’s order explained that the revised title better “ensures peace through strength, as it demonstrates our ability and willingness to fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice, not just to defend.”

Speaking from the Oval Office, the president added, “I think it sends a message of victory.”

As reported by a news agency, the alteration requires Congressional approval. Meanwhile, Trump has designated Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with the “additional secondary title” of secretary of war.

The Pentagon’s official website has been changed to war.gov, and signage in Hegseth’s office reflects the updated designation.

Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson praised Trump’s “historic move” to reinstate the department’s original name, emphasizing, “Defense alone is not enough; we must be ready to strike and dominate.”

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