Documents › Executive orders › 14347
Executive Order 14347
Restoring the United States Department of War
Signed September 5, 2025, printed at 90 FR 43893. 2 sections of substance, 774 words.
This order renames the Defense Department. It brings back the old name, the Department of War.
Sec. 1. 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. 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
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. 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
This states the case the order makes. It recalls a 1789 law signed by Washington. That law set up the War Department. It says that department won three wars. The War of 1812 is named. So are both world wars. It says the old name showed resolve. It says it signals peace through strength better than the current name.
Sec. 2. Implementation
(a) The Secretary of Defense is authorized the use of this additional secondary title-- the Secretary of War--and may be recognized by that title in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents within the executive branch. (b) The Department of Defense and the Office of the Secretary of Defense may be referred to as the Department of War and the Office of the Secretary of War, respectively, in the contexts described in subsection (a) of this section. (c) The provisions of this section shall also apply, as appropriate, to subordinate officials within the Department of Defense, who may use corresponding secondary titles such as Deputy Secretary of War or Under Secretary of War in the contexts described in subsection (a) of this section. (d) All executive departments and agencies shall recognize and accommodate the use of such secondary
(a) The Secretary of Defense is authorized the use of this additional secondary title-- the Secretary of War--and may be recognized by that title in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents within the executive branch. (b) The Department of Defense and the Office of the Secretary of Defense may be referred to as the Department of War and the Office of the Secretary of War, respectively, in the contexts described in subsection (a) of this section. (c) The provisions of this section shall also apply, as appropriate, to subordinate officials within the Department of Defense, who may use corresponding secondary titles such as Deputy Secretary of War or Under Secretary of War in the contexts described in subsection (a) of this section. (d) All executive departments and agencies shall recognize and accommodate the use of such secondary
This adds a second title. The Secretary of Defense may also be called Secretary of War. That may be used in letters and speeches. Ceremonies count. So do papers not fixed by law. The department may be called the Department of War in those settings. Deputies may use matching titles. All agencies must accept the usage.
Sec. 3. General Provisions
Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of War. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, September 5, 2025. [FR Doc.
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of War. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, September 5, 2025. [FR Doc.
This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.
How this order is quoted
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