President Donald Trump announced plans to rename the U.S. Department of Defense back to its original title, the Department of War, a change he indicated could occur within the next week. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the current name, stating that "defense" sounded too passive and that the U.S. military should emphasize both defense and offense. He referenced the historical context, noting that when it was called the Department of War, the United States had a strong record of military victories. Trump also mentioned that although renaming the department would typically require an act of Congress, he is confident that Congress would support the change if necessary. The Department of Defense has held its current name for 76 years, having been renamed after World War II. Trump has sought input from his cabinet and Pentagon officials on the proposed name change, with Pete Hegseth involved in the discussions. The announcement was made during two White House events on August 25, 2025, and Trump emphasized that while the U.S. wants to maintain defense capabilities, it also seeks a more offensive military posture.