"I think this sends a winning message. It's a much more appropriate name in today's world," President Donald Trump said at the White House on 5/9, during the signing of the executive order.
Trump argued that the name Department of Defense has been used for over 70 years and is "too politically correct." The agency was previously known as the "Department of War" from 1789 to 1947.
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President Donald Trump signs the executive order at the White House on 5/9. Photo: AFP |
President Donald Trump signs the executive order at the White House on 5/9. Photo: AFP
President Trump cannot fully change the name of the Department of Defense without congressional approval, but the new order allows "Department of War" to be used as an alternative name.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth quickly expressed his support for the change, posting a video of a "Secretary of War" sign being affixed to his Pentagon office door. He added that the executive order isn't just about changing the name, but also about restoring a fighting spirit.
"Maximum effectiveness, not weak legality. Powerful impact, not just political correctness. We will train warriors, not just protectors," he said.
The White House has not released the cost of renaming the Department of Defense, but U.S. media estimate it will cost billions of USD to change hundreds of agencies, symbols, email addresses, and uniforms.
Thanh Tam (AFP)
