The Trump White House is standing firm behind their controversial decision to rename the Department of Defense back to its original title - the Department of War - despite new Congressional Budget Office estimates showing the rebrand could cost American taxpayers up to $125 million.
White House officials defended the move Tuesday, with one senior administration source telling reporters the name change is 'aptly named' and reflects President Trump's commitment to military strength and honest government.
'For too long, we've hidden behind politically correct terminology while our enemies laugh at us,' the official said. 'President Trump believes in calling things what they are. This is the Department of War, and our adversaries need to know we mean business.'
The CBO analysis reveals the staggering costs would come from updating everything from building signage and official letterhead to computer systems and military uniforms across the globe. But Trump allies argue the symbolic value far outweighs the price tag.
Return to American Strength
The Department of War was the original name of America's military branch from 1789 until 1947, when it was changed to the Department of Defense during post-World War II restructuring. Trump has long criticized what he sees as the 'softening' of American military language.
'This is about more than just a name change - it's about restoring American backbone,' said one GOP congressman who supports the initiative. 'While Democrats waste trillions on Green New Deal nonsense, they're complaining about $125 million to properly honor our warriors.'
'President Trump believes in calling things what they are. This is the Department of War, and our adversaries need to know we mean business.'
Critics have slammed the rebrand as unnecessary spending, but Trump supporters see it as another promise kept by a president who campaigned on ending military weakness and woke policies in the Pentagon.
The question remains: In an era where China and Iran are threatening American interests worldwide, isn't it time we stopped pretending we're just playing defense?