Trump's proposal for reinstating the 'Department of War' endorsed by the White House
In a move aimed at giving the US military a tougher, more offensive image, President Donald Trump has proposed changing the name of the Department of Defense to the "Department of War." The proposal, which was made while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, has been met with controversy and raised questions about the potential impact on the military and its policies.
The White House is supporting this proposal, with the spokeswoman, Anna Kelly, emphasizing Trump's remarks about the US military's offensive power. Republican Representative Greg Steube of Florida has also filed an amendment to the annual defense policy bill to alter the department's name.
However, the move could still need approval from Congress, as only they can officially change the department's name. The White House is reportedly exploring other ways to make the name change without needing Congress's approval.
This proposal is part of Trump's broader effort to reshape the military's image. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been advocating for a more aggressive stance, with Trump expressing a preference for returning to the name "Department of War."
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has attempted to bar transgender individuals from joining the US military, a claim civil rights advocates reject as discriminatory and unlawful. The Pentagon claims that transgender people are medically unfit, but this assertion has been met with criticism from various quarters.
In a related development, Kelly, the White House spokeswoman, referred to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) as so-called woke ideology. She highlighted Trump's prioritization of warfighters at the Pentagon over such initiatives.
As the proposal moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will be received by Congress and the wider public. The potential impact on the military, its policies, and its diverse membership is a matter of ongoing debate and concern.
