A name change for the Department of Defense to the Department of War could cost $2 billion to enact, according to one report.
Donald Trump confirmed the name change earlier this year, but replacing signage and building titles with the new name could cost the government billions. The name change must be approved by Congress before these changes can take effect, but should they do that, it could cost the Trump administration an eye-watering sum. Four senior congressional staffers told NBC the letterhead and signage changes alone could cost $1 billion.
Further changes will be needed for department websites, internal and external code, and other computer software, according to the senior staffers. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell says a final cost for changing the name of the department has not yet been set.
He said, "The Department of War is aggressively implementing the name change directed by President Trump, and is making the name permanent. A final cost estimate has not been determined at this time due to the Democrat shutdown furloughing many of our critical civilians.
"A nod to our proud heritage, this change is essential because it reflects the Department’s core mission: winning wars. This has always been our mission, and while we hope for peace, we will prepare for war." The potential $2 billion cost comes as Trump says renaming the department is part of his plan to restore "pride" in the military.
He said at a Veterans Day speech on Tuesday, "Under the Trump administration, we are restoring the pride and the winning spirit of the United States military. That’s why we have officially renamed the Department of Defense back to the original name Department of War."
The change is not just for the name of the Department of War but to Pete Hegseth's role, who has now taken the title "Secretary of War." National Security Council spokeswoman Anna Kelly also said the renaming of the department would focus on the "lethality" of the military.
Kelly wrote, "Under President Trump’s leadership, the now aptly-named Department of War is refocused on readiness and lethality — and its title now reflects its status as the most powerful fighting force in the world. The White House is working hand-in-glove with the Department of War on implementation of the Executive Order."