Department of Defense Renamed 'War,' Secretary Hegseth Prioritizes 'America First' Veteran Advocacy

Washington D.C. – Pete Hegseth, the 29th United States Secretary of Defense, is actively championing veterans' causes and promoting an "America First" foreign policy vision, amidst a significant departmental renaming. The U.S. Department of Defense was officially renamed the Department of War on September 5, 2025, a move that underscores a shift in the administration's approach to military affairs. Mark Lucas, CEO of VeteranAction, stated in a recent social media post that Secretary Hegseth is "ending the 'War on Warriors'" and continues to advocate for the nation's veterans.

Lucas, a veteran of the 34th Infantry Division, confirmed his shared military service with Secretary Hegseth, highlighting their professional and personal connection. He also noted that he succeeded Hegseth as Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), a conservative advocacy group. Their discussion centered on VeteranAction's work promoting an "AMERICA FIRST foreign policy vision and taking care of our veterans," as Lucas articulated in his tweet, emphasizing a unified focus on national interests and veteran welfare.

Secretary Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and television personality, was sworn into his cabinet position on January 25, 2025. His tenure as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America from 2012 to 2016 saw the organization advocate for policies rooted in limited government, free markets, and a robust national defense. This background has informed his current "America First" stance, which includes a stated aim to eliminate "woke garbage" from the military.

VeteranAction, founded and led by Mark Lucas, is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering veterans through advocacy and community engagement. The group actively supports policies designed to enhance veteran well-being, economic opportunities, and national security, aligning closely with the "America First" principles championed by Secretary Hegseth. VeteranAction played a role in Hegseth's confirmation process, mobilizing support for his nomination.

The re-establishment of the "Secretary of War" title and the departmental rebranding mark a notable departure from decades of federal government terminology. This change, occurring just months after Hegseth's confirmation, signals a distinct strategic and communicative emphasis on military strength and a more aggressive posture in national defense. Secretary Hegseth's continued focus on veterans' issues, as underscored by Lucas, connects this departmental reorientation with a renewed commitment to the nation's service members under the new administration.