Trump administration sparks new controversy by renaming Defense Department

The decision to change the name of the United States Department of Defense to the 'War Department' or 'War Department' has sparked a new controversy. US President Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order in this regard, according to Politico.

Many officials within the Pentagon have reportedly expressed 'frustration, anger and confusion' at Trump's move. Their fear is that this change may cost billions of dollars, but it will not have any effective results.

A former defense official told Politico, "It's a domestic political decision. It's going to cost a lot of money, but it's not going to change our military balance with China or Russia."

He added, “The biggest concern is that this will be used by our enemies to portray the United States as a warmonger and a threat to international stability.”

The report says the name change will require changes to Defense Department seals, signboards, and official letterheads at more than 700,000 installations in 50 states. In addition, the documents of six military branches and dozens of other organizations must also be amended.

Politico also reported that congressional approval may be required to formally change the name. However, the White House is believed to be looking for a way to complete the process without a congressional vote.

Reuters reminded, until 1949, the US Department of Defense was called the 'War Department'. After World War II, Congress created a new structure that merged the Army, Navy, and Air Force and named the Department of Defense to prevent conflict in the nuclear age.

According to historians, the effort to bring back the name now would be expensive and symbolic—requiring major changes not only to the Pentagon, but to all signage and government documents at US military installations around the world.