The administration of US President Donald Trump is exploring ways to rename the US Department of Defense to the "Department of War", The Wall Street Journal reported, citing its sources.
According to their information, as early as "the first weeks of Trump's second term" the Pentagon began working on "legislative proposals" that would change the name of the department and the position of its head. Since this would require congressional approval, the White House is looking for other ways to do this, the publication notes.
The US Department of War existed from 1789 to 1947, when it was transformed into a national military department. In 1949, it was renamed the US Department of Defense.
Trump has repeatedly stated that he is not against returning the Pentagon to its previous name. The American leader explained that he considers the name "Department of War" to be more sonorous and that the United States "does not only want defense, but also attack". Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also spoke in support of this idea. On August 25, the head of the White House announced that the US authorities would soon announce "some information on this issue".