'Department of War' rebranding could cost as much as $125M, hundreds of millions more if it becomes legal name: CBO
ABC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Congressional Budget Office estimates that rebranding the Defense Department as the "Department of War" could cost taxpayers between $10 million and $125 million, with potential costs reaching hundreds of millions if the change becomes official and widespread.
- President Donald Trump announced plans last fall to restore the Defense Department's original name, but only Congress has the authority to officially rename a federal agency; Trump issued an executive order for the name to be used as a secondary title.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has adopted the "Department of War" nickname within his office and on social media, including changing signage at the Pentagon.
- The CBO notes that costs vary depending on the scope and speed of implementation, with gradual changes costing less and
