White House defends 'aptly named' Department of War as watchdog flags up to $125M cost
The White House stood by its decision to change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War on Thursday — even as watchdogs warn the change...
By Fox News · Fox News
The White House stood by its decision to change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War on Thursday — even as watchdogs warn the change could cost taxpayers as much as $125 million. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a congressional research agency, the costs come primarily from the manpower the change would require. "Broadly, the costs would include staff time spent updating document templates, revising websites or modifying letterhead," the CBO’s report said. TRUMP QUIETLY SIGNS SWEEPING $901B DEFENSE BILL AFTER BIPARTISAN SENATE PASSAGE "The scale of those costs would depend on how aggressively DOD implemented the title and how it prioritized renaming activities over other ongoing missions." On the low end, the change could cost as little as $10 million, the CBO said. Asked if the switch is worth the price tag, the White House told Fox News Digital the name is more in line with what the nation's armed services are equipped to do. "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," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. The estimates of the name change hinge on whether the DOD intends to immediately replace items like stationery, signage, nameplates, uniforms, shirts and more — or whether those items can be phased out over time as they naturally make their way out of circulation. It also depends on whether the change is limited to the Department of Defense itself or all the defense-wide agencies under its purview. Secretary Pete Hegseth's office at the Department of War did not respond to a request for comment on its plans. BESSENT SAYS MINNESOTA FRAUD RECOVERY COULD HELP FUND TRUMP’S $1.5T DEFENSE PLAN The report explains that the cost analysis i…