United States (US) President Donald Trump, whose many controversial pronouncements have frequently captured the world’s attention, signed an executive order on September 6, 2025, renaming Department of Defense “Department of War.” Trump’s move has resonated widely with both US politics and the international community. While seemingly a mere name change, it carries profound political and ideological implications. Considering the US’s foreign policy, shaped by military interventions and the use of the concepts of war and peace in political rhetoric, this move carries potential to directly impact global security and diplomatic debates.
Historically, the US Department of Defense acquired its current name through an institutional transformation in 1949. Previously known as the “Department of War,” this institution was renamed for “Department of Defense” as a reflection of the international order that emerged after World War II, thereby signaling that the country’s military activities were defensively oriented. America’s leadership role in international politics during Cold War and the establishment of alliance systems like NATO also reinforced the diplomatic strategy behind this name change. In this context, Trump’s move, while seemingly merely a symbolic change, challenges the defense-based foreign policy narrative that US has cultivated for many years.
This approach by Trump can also be considered a reflection of his political style. Throughout his presidency, Trump has attracted attention with his rhetoric that disrupts established norms in both domestic and foreign policy. Frequently emphasizing magnitude of US military spending and criticizing financial contributions to NATO, Trump has portrayed himself as a leader who prioritizes national interests and advocates for a more aggressive approach to diplomacy. Therefore, the “Department of War” reflects Trump’s efforts to send a strong message to his base and his desire to emphasize the US’s deterrent role on the international stage.
This move could damage the US’s long-held image as a “peacekeeper” and “defender of democracy” in its foreign policy. It could also raise concerns among allied countries, as name change could be interpreted as a signal that the US will adopt a more interventionist and unilateral security strategy. This could also lead to tensions in diplomatic relations.
Trump’s move has also sparked domestic political debate. The size of the military budget and the economic burden of defense spending have long been a matter of debate in the US. The War Department has been criticized by opposition groups for approach that glorifies militarism. Democratic Party circles, in particular, view Trump’s statement as a move that will undermine the US’s peaceful credentials in international relations. Conversely, Trump’s supporters see this rhetoric as a clear assertion of US power and a prioritization of national interests. Therefore, this debate has potential to deepen the ideological polarization within American society.
Historical examples also provide a rich dimension to this discussion. The fact that many countries used terms like “Department of War” before World War II demonstrates that the overt display of power in international relations was part of the political culture of that era. However, the devastating consequences of war led countries to adopt a more peaceful and diplomatic language. Therefore, the concept of the Department of Defense is not merely a name but also a symbol of the process of legitimizing the use of force in international relations. Trump’s attempt to change this symbol actually poses a challenge to the history of modern diplomacy.
This debate also reflects transformation of the understanding of international security. In the 21st century, security threats are not limited to interstate wars. Threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism, climate change, and global pandemics require diplomacy, technology, and international cooperation, in addition to military power. Therefore, changing the ministry’s name to “Ministry of War” risks overshadowing this new understanding of security and elevating the use of force to the primary strategy. This could further increase the need for peaceful methods and common security mechanisms in international relations.
Ultimately, Trump’s move to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War has generated profound debates about balance of power in international relations, diplomacy, and the United States’ global image. This statement reflects the provocative and direct nature of Trump’s political style, while also raising theoretical and practical questions about the fundamental principles of the modern international order. This debate again highlights the importance of symbols and rhetoric in the future of world politics.
