Rama Krishna Sangem
US President Donald Trump has signed an order changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War in all executive statements. This is to reinforce America’s military supremacy in the world that it can launch war against any country or any force to defend its interests.
In a signing ceremony from the Oval Office on September 5 Friday, Trump said the name change was part of a larger shift away from a “woke” ideology within the department. He added it would beckon in a new age of military victory.
In fact, just a few years after America got its Independence in 1773, there was a Secretary of War and a Cabinet level Department of War. But, after two world wars – 1914-18 and 1944-48, its name was changed to Department of Defence. Now Trump wants to revert back to original name of Dept of War.
White House explained purpose
On August 7, 1789, 236 years ago, President George Washington signed into law a bill establishing the United States Department of War to oversee the operation and maintenance of military and naval affairs, said a post on the White House website..
It was under this name that the Department of War, along with the later formed Department of the Navy, won the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, inspiring awe and confidence in our Nation’s military, and ensuring freedom and prosperity for all Americans.
The Founders chose this name to signal our strength and resolve to the world. The name “Department of War,” more than the current “Department of Defense,” ensures peace through strength, as it demonstrates our ability and willingness to fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice, not just to defend.
This name sharpens the Department’s focus on our own national interest and our adversaries’ focus on our willingness and availability to wage war to secure what is ours. I have therefore determined that this Department should once again be known as the Department of War and the Secretary should be known as the Secretary of War, said President Trump.
Message to China?
This is a message to the entire world and especially China which displayed its military might a couple of days ago in Beijing. Interestingly, China hasn’t invited US or its allies in the NATO, but just had the presence of sworn US rivals like Russia, South Korea and a few other regional players. But, it can be an instance of irony. This change of name of department of defence to department of war came at a time when Trump has been projecting for him an image of peace maker or peace lover in the world.
