Trump Signs Executive Order, Changes Name of U.S. Department of Defense

U.S. President Donald Trump will sign an executive order today changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, an idea he has recently insisted upon.

“Restoring the name ‘Department of War’ will sharpen this Department’s focus on our national interest and signal to adversaries the United States’ willingness to wage war to protect its interests,” emphasized a White House document.

The designation “Department of War” was used by the United States until 1949, when it was renamed the Department of Defense as part of a series of massive reforms included in the National Security Act of 1947.

Meeting with Tech Executives

Last night, Trump hosted top technology executives at the White House, where he asked attendees to explain how much their companies were investing in U.S. manufacturing.

The event brought together figures such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who mentioned that he will invest at least $600 billion in the United States by 2028.

“I know all of you indirectly, and some very well, but I know everyone here indirectly from reading about you and studying, and from knowing a lot about your businesses,” Trump said during what would have been his first event in the newly renovated White House Rose Garden. However, rain forced the event to move indoors.

Among the select group of guests were Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and OpenAI founder Sam Altman, among others.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, who until recently served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency and senior advisor to Trump before the two fell out, was not listed among the expected participants.

Renovations at the White House

Trump, who spent decades in the real estate sector before entering politics and running for the country’s highest office, has spent the first months of his second term renovating the White House.

The paving of the garden is part of Trump’s plans to redecorate the official residence on Pennsylvania Avenue to his taste. He has also added more portraits, busts, and gold ornaments to this new version of the Oval Office and displayed artwork depicting himself throughout the building—including one piece referencing the assassination attempt he faced in July 2024.

Last month, the White House announced plans for a $200 million ballroom near the East Wing, capable of hosting hundreds of guests for state dinners and other large celebrations.