Cost Estimates and Implications of Renaming the Pentagon to the Department of War
President Donald Trump's decision to rename the Pentagon as the Department of War could incur costs ranging from $10 million to $125 million, as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office. The cost of the name change would depend on the extent and speed of its implementation. A more modest approach could keep the cost around $10 million, but a broader implementation across the department's global bases and offices could escalate the cost to $125 million, according to the CBO report released recently.
The executive order signed by Trump initiated the name change, but a formal change requires an act of Congress. The change was intended to reflect a shift back to the military's historical fighting spirit, as emphasized by both Trump and Pete Hegseth, who transitioned informally from secretary of defense to secretary of war. The new designation was swiftly implemented at the Pentagon, with updated placards, signs, and online references reflecting the new name.
While the initial changes were promptly made following the executive order, the ultimate authority to change the department's name lies with Congress. A statutory renaming could potentially cost hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the approach chosen by Congress and the Department of Defense for the implementation, as highlighted in the CBO report. The Department of War was the original name of the department established in 1789, which was later replaced by the Department of Defense in 1947 under the National Security Act.
In conclusion, the proposed renaming of the Pentagon to the Department of War could have significant financial implications, with estimates ranging from $10 million to $125 million. The decision to change the name, initiated by President Trump, reflects a desire to restore the military's historical identity and ethos. However, the final decision on the name change rests with Congress, which could potentially lead to substantial costs for the implementation of the new name.