Trump renames Department of Defence as the Department of War

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday renaming the Department of Defence as the Department of War – a long-telegraphed move aimed at projecting American military toughness around the globe.

“It’s a much more appropriate name, especially in light of where the world is right now,” Mr Trump said. He said the previous name was “woke”.