A video of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ceremoniously tightening the final screw on a new 'Department of War' sign has ignited a wave of online mockery and criticism, highlighting a controversial and costly administrative rebrand.
A Costly Symbolic Gesture
The clip, shared on Thursday by the Pentagon's rapid response account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, was captioned, 'Welcome to the War Department.' This public relations move stems from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in September 2025. The president justified the change by stating it 'ensures peace through strength' and demonstrates a willingness to fight and win wars, not just defend.
However, the symbolic act comes with a staggering real-world cost. Reports indicate that the full rebranding of the Department of Defense could cost American taxpayers up to $2 billion, a figure that has drawn sharp criticism given other national priorities.
Critics Decry 'Performative' Politics
The video was quickly lambasted by critics, including prominent figures and veterans' groups, who saw it as a perfect metaphor for an administration focused on optics over substantive policy. Celebrity chef and humanitarian José Andrés pointedly asked on X if the Secretary could 'remember to protect democracies like Ukraine' while performing the 'highly skilled work' of changing signs.
Other reactions were even more blunt. The account Veterans For Responsible Leadership called it 'performative bullshit' and lamented the $2 billion expense while many Americans struggle with costs like health insurance. Another user succinctly described it as 'wasted taxpayer money for circle jerk nonsense.'
The Legal Hurdle: Congressional Approval
Beyond the public relations backlash, a significant legal obstacle remains. According to experts and commentators, Congress must approve any official renaming of a federal department. This means that despite the new signage and the executive order, the institution remains legally the Department of Defense, and Pete Hegseth's title is still Defense Secretary.
As one legal observer noted on X, 'I didn't see the Congressional Act renaming the Department of Defense. Is it good for the Department of Defense to be lawless?' This constitutional process underscores that the current 'Department of War' designation is merely secondary and unofficial, casting further doubt on the practicality and permanence of the $2 billion initiative.
