Trump to replace Pentagon with Department of War - Timing disclosed

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have repeatedly voiced their desire to change the name of the Pentagon.

Trump argued that the current designation "Department of Defense" did not reflect the realities of America’s role in the world. He reportedly told advisers that the United States could no longer hide behind the word “defense” and that things should be called by their proper names.

The document was expected to be signed on Friday, September 5, after which the administration planned to release details and explanations on how the change would be implemented.

According to the White House, the decree stipulated the use of "Department of War" as a secondary name alongside the existing "Department of Defense," and the adoption of titles such as "Secretary of War" for Hegseth. The order also instructed the defense secretary to propose both legislative and executive measures to make the new name permanent.

Supporters of Trump said the step would provide a more honest positioning of the military and could symbolize a "new strength of America," noting that until 1947, the US military department had indeed been called the "Department of War."

Opponents, however, warn that the renaming would only highlight an aggressive US image and further strain relations with allies and rivals.

If the decree is signed, it will mark the first official renaming of the department in more than 75 years.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump held a "heated" phone call with European leaders following the coalition of the willing summit in Paris. When Trump raised the issue of sanctions against Russia, EU representatives proposed sending their delegates to Washington within 48 hours to form a working group on the matter.