Restoring the United States Department of War
9/5/2025
Action Summary
- Historical Reinstatement: Reaffirms the original name “Department of War” to underscore national strength and resolve, harkening back to its founding by President Washington and its role in past wars.
- Secondary Titles Authorized: Permits the Secretary of Defense to also be recognized as the “Secretary of War” in official and ceremonial contexts, with similar secondary titles permitted for subordinate officials such as Deputy Secretary of War.
- Implementation Timelines:
- Within 30 days: The Secretary of War must notify Congress of any component adopting the secondary designation.
- Within 60 days: A recommendation on the necessary legislative and executive actions for permanently renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War must be submitted.
- Statutory and Operational Continuity: Maintains that existing statutory references and legal obligations to the Department of Defense remain in effect until changed by law, ensuring no disruption to current executive functions.
- General Provisions:
- Clarifies that the order does not impair the authority of any executive department or agency.
- Ensures compliance with applicable law and the availability of appropriations, with publication costs borne by the Department of War.
- Official Endorsement: Signed by President Donald J. Trump on September 5, 2025, formalizing the changes and establishing the framework for implementation.
Risks & Considerations
- The renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War could signal a shift in national defense policy, emphasizing a more aggressive military posture. This may impact international relations and could lead to increased geopolitical tensions.
- There is a potential risk of confusion and miscommunication within federal agencies and with international partners due to the dual naming conventions. This could affect the clarity of legal, statutory, and international obligations.
- The change in nomenclature might influence public perception and discourse around military and defense policies, potentially affecting public opinion and political dynamics.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes could impact its programs related to international relations, political science, and military studies, as well as its partnerships with defense-related research initiatives.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department may see increased interest in courses related to military policy, international relations, and defense strategy, potentially requiring curriculum adjustments to address new policy directions.
- The Center for International Studies might need to reevaluate its research focus and partnerships to align with the evolving defense and foreign policy landscape.
- Vanderbilt’s Research Initiatives in defense and technology could be affected by changes in federal funding priorities and partnerships with defense agencies.
- The Office of Government and Community Relations may need to engage in more active dialogue with federal agencies to understand the implications of these changes and advocate for the university’s interests.
Financial Impact
- The renaming and potential policy shifts could lead to changes in federal funding allocations for defense-related research and development, impacting Vanderbilt’s grant opportunities and collaborations.
- There may be increased opportunities for securing funding for research in military strategy, defense technology, and international relations, particularly if these areas become a focus of national policy.
- Vanderbilt may need to consider diversifying its funding sources to mitigate potential risks associated with changes in federal defense priorities.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, particularly in terms of international relations and defense policy changes.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor the implications of the renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This change may affect federal funding priorities and defense-related research opportunities, which could impact Vanderbilt’s research initiatives and partnerships.
- The Department of Political Science should consider conducting research on the historical and political implications of this executive order. This research could provide valuable insights into the potential shifts in national defense policy and its impact on international relations.
- Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies should evaluate the potential impact of this change on international students and scholars, particularly those from countries that may perceive this renaming as a shift in U.S. military posture.
- The Office of Communications should prepare to address any concerns or questions from the university community regarding the implications of this executive order, ensuring that accurate information is disseminated.
Opportunities
- The renaming of the Department of Defense presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to explore legal and constitutional questions related to executive power and military organization. This could lead to new courses or research projects that enhance the school’s academic offerings.
- Vanderbilt’s Peabody College could leverage this change to study the educational impacts of military policy shifts, potentially influencing curriculum development in areas related to national security and defense education.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on research funding and international relations.)
Timeline for Implementation
- 30 days: The Secretary of War must submit a notification for transmittal to Congress regarding the adoption of the secondary title for any office or entity that begins using it.
- 60 days: The Secretary of War is required to submit a recommendation to the President outlining the actions needed to permanently rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Defense (DoD) / Department of War: The order mandates that the Department of Defense, when using a secondary designation, will be known as the Department of War, including renaming the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the Office of the Secretary of War and authorizing corresponding secondary titles for subordinate officials.
- Office of the Secretary of Defense: As part of the renaming protocol, this office is impacted by the adoption of the secondary title “Office of the Secretary of War” for ceremonial and non-statutory purposes.
- All Executive Departments and Agencies: The order instructs all executive branches to recognize and accommodate the use of these secondary titles in their internal and external communications, thus broadly impacting the entire executive branch.
- Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs: This office is tasked with transmitting notifications and recommendations regarding the renaming actions and the necessary correspondence with Congress.
Relevance Score: 5 (This directive applies broadly across the executive branch and many associated agencies.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Defense (Secretary of War) – Authorized to use the new secondary title and tasked with submitting notifications and recommendations (via the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs) regarding the renaming process.
- Subordinate Officials within the Department of Defense – Permitted to adopt corresponding secondary titles (e.g., Deputy Secretary of War, Under Secretary of War) in applicable contexts.
- Executive Departments and Agencies – Required to recognize and accommodate the use of these secondary titles in both internal and external communications.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact high-level Cabinet officials and require actions from agency heads.)