US Department of Defense Renaming Costs
Analysis based on 16 articles · First reported Jan 14, 2026 · Last updated Jan 15, 2026
The proposed renaming of the United States — United States Department of Defense to the Department of War, while primarily a political move, could have a minor impact on the market due to the estimated costs of up to $125 million for rebranding. This expense, if broadly implemented, would be absorbed by existing budgets or require additional congressional allocation, potentially affecting government spending priorities.
Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing the United States — United States Department of Defense to use 'Department of War' as a secondary title, citing a desire to project strength and move away from 'woke' terminology. The United States — Congressional Budget Office released an analysis estimating the cost of this name change could range from a few million dollars for minimal implementation to $125 million for a broad and rapid change. Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, immediately embraced the rebrand, changing signs and the United States — United States Department of Defense's website. However, formal approval requires an act of the United States, which has shown no serious interest in the change. Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to make the change official, but it has not progressed. Democratic senators Chuck Schumer and Jeff Merkley requested the cost analysis, with Jeff Merkley criticizing the effort as 'performative government'.
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