Pentagon leader presents options: war or defense
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is exploring the idea of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War and is currently conducting a public poll regarding this potential change. “Better name? Have my thoughts… welcome yours,”...
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is exploring the idea of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War and is currently conducting a public poll regarding this potential change.
“Better name? Have my thoughts… welcome yours,” Hegseth posted on X while sharing the poll.
The poll has garnered participation from over 160,000 users, with more than half supporting the idea of a rebranding for the Department of Defense. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also weighed in by sharing the poll and commenting: “War is more accurate.”
The agency responsible for military affairs was known as the Department of War for nearly 160 years before its reorganization in 1947, when it merged with the Department of the Navy under the National Security Act. Two years later, the Department of Defense was established, taking over the functions of the dissolved agency.
Earlier this month, Hegseth indicated that Washington might be prepared to engage in war with China if necessary, referencing Beijing's threats of tariff retaliation in the context of the renewed trade conflict between the two nations.
This week, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed US officials, that Musk, currently leading the Department of Government Efficiency, would be briefed on a military strategy “for any war that might break out with China.” The Wall Street Journal added that this war plan would be among multiple topics addressed during Musk's upcoming Pentagon visit, suggesting that it could provide him, as the head of a company heavily reliant on China for production, access to sensitive military information not available to competitors.
Hegseth responded on X by refuting these media claims, calling them “fake news.” He emphasized that the focus of the meeting was on “innovation, efficiencies, and smarter production.”
US President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, labeling the allegations as “completely untrue,” and accused the “discredited media” of fabricating stories, asserting that China was neither mentioned nor discussed in the meeting.
According to a Congressional Research Service report, from 1798 to 2023, the US has engaged in “hundreds of instances” of deploying military forces abroad for armed conflict or potential conflict to “protect” its citizens or “promote” its interests. In the 21st century, notable conflicts include those in Afghanistan and Iraq, alongside military operations in Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. Throughout its history, Washington has formally declared war against foreign nations 11 times.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
“Better name? Have my thoughts… welcome yours,” Hegseth posted on X while sharing the poll.
The poll has garnered participation from over 160,000 users, with more than half supporting the idea of a rebranding for the Department of Defense. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also weighed in by sharing the poll and commenting: “War is more accurate.”
The agency responsible for military affairs was known as the Department of War for nearly 160 years before its reorganization in 1947, when it merged with the Department of the Navy under the National Security Act. Two years later, the Department of Defense was established, taking over the functions of the dissolved agency.
Earlier this month, Hegseth indicated that Washington might be prepared to engage in war with China if necessary, referencing Beijing's threats of tariff retaliation in the context of the renewed trade conflict between the two nations.
This week, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed US officials, that Musk, currently leading the Department of Government Efficiency, would be briefed on a military strategy “for any war that might break out with China.” The Wall Street Journal added that this war plan would be among multiple topics addressed during Musk's upcoming Pentagon visit, suggesting that it could provide him, as the head of a company heavily reliant on China for production, access to sensitive military information not available to competitors.
Hegseth responded on X by refuting these media claims, calling them “fake news.” He emphasized that the focus of the meeting was on “innovation, efficiencies, and smarter production.”
US President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, labeling the allegations as “completely untrue,” and accused the “discredited media” of fabricating stories, asserting that China was neither mentioned nor discussed in the meeting.
According to a Congressional Research Service report, from 1798 to 2023, the US has engaged in “hundreds of instances” of deploying military forces abroad for armed conflict or potential conflict to “protect” its citizens or “promote” its interests. In the 21st century, notable conflicts include those in Afghanistan and Iraq, alongside military operations in Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. Throughout its history, Washington has formally declared war against foreign nations 11 times.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
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