Google Gemini was used to research this piece. This Essay was posted on 3/2/2026.
Prussian General Carl von Clausewitz wrote:
“War is the continuation of policy by other means.”
The emphasis of US policy was modified under the Truman administration when the old Department of War was reorganized as the Department of Defense. Under the law that formed the new DOD, the different military branches were brought under one organization. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was created to make sure that the military branches remain a coordinated and cohesive force. And the name change is also important. Truman wanted a military goal to emphasize defending national security and defending the so-called free world from communism.
Donald Trump wants to change the name to the Department of War to emphasize strength and power. He criticizes the word Defense as being too passive and claims that the name-change contributed to our mixed success in wars after 1950.
If you ignore what Trump says and view what he does, a different picture emerges. Donald Trump is applying the Clausewitz dictum whenever diplomacy fails. Unfortunately, Trump is applying war-tactics too quickly and without regard to domestic or international law.
Two problems arise. First, wars can be started all too easily, but they can become hard to end. Our wars after 9-11 are examples of endless fighting with no tangible benefits. Second, when we become the aggressor, we lose respect and trust among our allies. They wonder: Will we blow up a London suburb if a trade deal goes bad. Will we end up like Russia fighting to a standstill with Ukraine?
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