Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores the United States Department of War
9/5/2025
Action Summary
- Restoration of Historic Name: Executive Order signed by President Trump to restore “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Department of Defense.
- Authorized Use of Secondary Titles: The Secretary of Defense and subordinate officials may use titles such as “Secretary of War” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents.
- Mandate for Recognition: All executive departments and agencies are directed to recognize and accommodate these secondary titles in both internal and external communications.
- Legislative and Executive Recommendations: The Order instructs the Secretary of War to recommend further actions, including legislative steps, to permanently rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.
- Historical and Symbolic Rationale: Emphasizes America’s military legacy and its historical victories, projecting an image of unmatched power and readiness; the name “Department of War” is seen as conveying a stronger message than “Department of Defense.”
- National Security and Policy Stance: Reflects the America First approach with a focus on peace through strength, underscoring the need to deter adversaries by showcasing military readiness.
- Military Celebrations and Demonstrations: Highlights events such as the military parade in Washington, D.C. to honor the Army’s 250th birthday and references to significant military operations, including the decisive strike against Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
- Revitalization of the Armed Forces: Increased military recruiting and renewed national pride in America’s military heritage are noted as part of the broader strategic shift.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order to restore the name “Department of War” may lead to increased militarization rhetoric, which could impact public perception and international relations. This shift in language might influence how other countries view the United States, potentially affecting diplomatic efforts and global partnerships.
- There is a risk that the emphasis on military strength and readiness could divert attention and resources away from diplomatic and peaceful conflict resolution strategies. This could impact programs and initiatives focused on international cooperation and peacebuilding.
- The change in nomenclature might affect the morale and identity of military personnel, as well as the public’s perception of the military’s role. This could have implications for recruitment, retention, and the overall culture within the armed forces.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this shift in military focus could impact its programs related to international relations, political science, and peace studies, potentially necessitating adjustments in curriculum and research priorities.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department may see increased interest in courses related to military history, defense policy, and international relations, as students seek to understand the implications of this Executive Order.
- The Center for International Studies at Vanderbilt might need to adjust its research focus to address the potential impacts of a more militarized U.S. foreign policy on global stability and peace efforts.
- Vanderbilt’s ROTC Program could experience changes in recruitment and training strategies, aligning with the new emphasis on military readiness and strength.
- The Office of Public Affairs may need to engage in outreach and communication efforts to address public concerns and perceptions related to the renaming of the Department of Defense.
Financial Impact
- The rebranding of the Department of Defense to the Department of War could lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially impacting grants and contracts related to defense research and development.
- Vanderbilt University might experience shifts in funding opportunities for programs related to military and defense studies, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships with defense agencies.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in military technology and defense policy, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
- The focus on military strength and readiness could lead to increased demand for expertise in defense policy and strategy, potentially impacting faculty recruitment and retention in related fields.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science should analyze the implications of the renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This analysis can provide insights into how this change might affect national security policies and international relations, which can be valuable for academic research and public discourse.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor any legislative or executive actions recommended by the Secretary of War that could impact federal funding or research opportunities related to defense and military studies. Staying informed will help Vanderbilt align its strategic initiatives with potential new federal priorities.
- Vanderbilt’s Military and Veterans Affairs Office should assess how the change in nomenclature might influence military culture and recruitment, and consider how this could affect the university’s programs and support services for military-connected students.
- The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy could explore the historical and contemporary significance of the Department of War’s name change, fostering discussions on its impact on American identity and democratic principles.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies to engage in research on the global perception of the U.S. military’s rebranding and its implications for international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on military strength by developing partnerships with defense-related organizations and think tanks, enhancing research and educational opportunities in national security and defense policy.
- The emphasis on military heritage and national pride offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s History Department to contribute to public understanding of America’s military history through lectures, publications, and community engagement.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order suggests some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures related to defense studies and military engagement.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – No explicit deadline or timeline for implementing the directives is mentioned in the text.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Defense: Mandated to incorporate the secondary title “Department of War” into its official communications and symbolic identity, reflecting a strengthened military posture.
- Office of the Secretary of Defense: Tasked with executing the order by using the secondary titles in official documents and recommending legislative and executive measures for a permanent renaming.
- All Executive Departments and Agencies: Directed to recognize and accommodate the secondary titles in both internal and external communications, making this change influential across the entire executive branch.
Relevance Score: 5 (The directive impacts the entire executive branch, affecting numerous agencies and is comprehensive across the federal government.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Defense – Authorized to use the secondary titles “Secretary of War” and “Deputy Secretary of War” and adjust DoD’s internal and external communications.
- Department of Defense and Subordinate Officials – Empowered to implement the use of secondary titles across official correspondence and non‐statutory documents.
- Secretary of War – Instructed to recommend any necessary legislative and executive actions to permanently rename the U.S. Department of Defense.
- All Executive Departments and Agencies – Directed to recognize and accommodate the newly authorized secondary titles in their internal and external communications.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials and have wide-reaching implications across multiple executive agencies.)