Summary — Executive Order: Restoring the United States Department of War

President Trump issued an Executive Order to restore the historic name “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Department of Defense. The order’s purpose is to reflect America’s strength and willingness to fight and win wars, rather than solely emphasizing defense, aligning with the Founders’ original intent from 1789.

Key Implementation Directives:

• The Secretary of Defense is authorized to use the title “Secretary of War” in official, public, and ceremonial contexts.
• The Department of Defense and its offices may be referred to as the “Department of War.”
• Subordinate officials can use corresponding secondary titles (e.g., Deputy Secretary of War).
• All executive departments must recognize these titles, provided they don't conflict with legal obligations.
• Statutory references to the Department of Defense remain in effect until legally changed.
• Within 30 days, the Secretary of War must notify Congress of any offices using the new designation.
• Within 60 days, the Secretary of War must submit recommendations for legislative and executive actions to permanently rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.

The order clarifies that it does not impair existing legal authority or budgetary functions, is subject to appropriations, and does not create enforceable rights. The costs for publishing the order will be borne by the Department of War.

Summary — Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens Efforts to Protect U.S. Nationals from Wrongful Detention Abroad

President Trump signed an Executive Order empowering the U.S. government to respond forcefully against wrongful detentions of Americans abroad. The order allows the Secretary of State to designate countries as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention, triggering measures such as sanctions, travel restrictions, export controls, and inadmissibility of nationals. The designation can be lifted if detainees are released and credible assurances are provided to prevent future violations. The order also applies to non-state actors who control territory.

The White House framed the move as a correction to what it called Biden-era weakness, arguing adversaries exploited Americans as bargaining chips. Trump reaffirmed his “America First” commitment to bringing U.S. citizens home, citing the release of 72 Americans since returning to office. High-profile cases include:

• Marc Fogel, American teacher detained in Russia for over 3 years (released Feb. 2025).
• Ksenia Karelina, ballet dancer detained in Russia for 14 months (released Apr. 2025).
• Keith Siegel, hostage of Hamas for 484 days (freed Feb. 2025).
• George Glezmann, detained by the Taliban for 836 days (freed Mar. 2025), joining Ryan Corbett and William McKenty freed on Inauguration Night.
• Edan Alexander, U.S.-Israeli held by Hamas for 584 days (returned Jul. 2025).

The administration argued the policy strengthens U.S. sovereignty, deters adversaries, and ensures wrongful detentions are no longer viable tools of coercion.

Summary — Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores the United States Department of War

President Trump signed an Executive Order restoring the historic name “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Department of Defense, marking his 200th Executive Order. The order allows officials to use titles like “Secretary of War” and directs agencies to recognize them, while also instructing the Secretary of War to recommend steps to permanently rename the Department.

The White House frames this move as projecting strength, resolve, and readiness, arguing that “Department of War” conveys greater power than “Department of Defense.” The fact sheet highlights historical precedent, noting the original Department of War (1789) led America through key victories in the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, and quotes George Washington: “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”

The administration ties the change to Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine — citing military readiness, national pride, the Army’s 250th birthday parade, a strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and record-high recruiting numbers — as proof of renewed U.S. military power and resolve under his leadership.