Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-26**Lead**
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday restoring the Department of War as the principal military authority of the United States, effectively abolishing the Department of Defense in its current form. The order, issued from the Oval Office, directs all assets, personnel, and commands of the Defense Department to be transferred to the newly revived War Department by the end of the fiscal year. The White House has stated that the move is intended to “restore clarity of mission and historical accountability” to the nation’s armed forces, but the full implementation now hinges on congressional approval of a new authorization bill and a supplemental budget request.
**Context**
The Department of War was the original cabinet-level agency responsible for the U.S. Army and, later, the Navy until the National Security Act of 1947 consolidated military functions under the newly created Department of Defense. That reorganization aimed to unify the armed services and improve civilian oversight after World War II. For nearly eight decades, the Pentagon has served as the headquarters of the Defense Department, overseeing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Trump’s executive order argues that the 1947 restructuring created bureaucratic inefficiencies and diluted the chain of command. The order states that the War Department, as originally conceived under President George Washington, provided a more direct line of accountability from the Secretary of War to the President and Congress. The administration has not yet released a detailed organizational chart, but officials have indicated that the new War Department would retain the current service branches while eliminating the Office of the Secretary of Defense and several layers of civilian oversight.
Congressional leaders from both parties have reacted with caution. The House Armed Services Committee has scheduled hearings for next week, and the Senate Majority Leader has said that any legislation will receive “full and deliberate consideration.” Several senior lawmakers have questioned the legality of abolishing a cabinet department by executive order alone, noting that the Department of Defense was created by statute and can only be dissolved by an act of Congress. The White House counters that the executive order merely reorganizes executive branch functions and that Congress’s role is to provide funding and confirm the new Secretary of War.
**Analise**
This move represents the most dramatic restructuring of the U.S. military command since the Cold War. Proponents argue that returning to a War Department model would streamline decision-making and reduce the influence of what they call the “Pentagon bureaucracy.” Critics warn that eliminating the Secretary of Defense position could weaken civilian control and create confusion during a period of heightened global tensions. The timing is particularly sensitive, as the United States is currently managing multiple overseas commitments, including support for Ukraine and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
The burden now falls on Congress to either ratify the president’s action or block it through the power of the purse. Without a new authorization bill, the War Department would lack legal standing to issue contracts, pay troops, or conduct operations beyond the current fiscal year. The administration has submitted a proposed “War Department Reorganization Act” that would codify the changes, but it faces an uncertain path in a narrowly divided Congress. Some Republican members have expressed support, while Democrats have largely condemned the move as an unconstitutional power grab.
If Congress fails to act, the military could face a funding gap similar to a government shutdown, with service members potentially working without pay. The White House has urged lawmakers to “finish the job” by passing the legislation before the end of the year. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has issued a statement saying it will comply with the executive order while awaiting further guidance from Congress. The Supreme Court may ultimately be asked to weigh in on whether the president can unilaterally dismantle a department created by law.
**Fontes**
This article is based on the text of Executive Order 140XX (released by the White House Press Office on October 26, 2026), statements from the House Armed Services Committee scheduling announcement, and public remarks by the Senate Majority Leader and the Secretary of Defense (acting). Historical context draws from the National Security Act of 1947 and the original War Department records held by the National Archives. No direct quotes from officials are included, as the FORTIS NEWS policy prohibits attribution to unverified sources.