An official nickname

In reply to Robert Antenpenko’s letter to the editor on Wednesday asking if the Daily Herald is stupid or ignorant regarding the secretary of defense’s title: Yes, Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, but unless Congress officially makes the name change, it legally remains the Department of Defense.

According to Military.com “Only Congress can amend or replace statutory titles. The Department of Defense currently remains the legal entity established by Congress in 1949. Trump’s order does not override existing law; instead, it authorizes a secondary title that may be used in non-statutory communications.”

Sort of like calling you Bob instead of Robert.

Donald Purney

Carol Stream