President
Donald Trump
has issued
a proclamation
designating Thursday as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II as countries in Europe already do.
Cities from London to Moscow are holding parades, flyovers and memorials this week as the world observes
Thursday’s 80th anniversary
of Victory in Europe Day, when
Nazi Germany
gave themselves up to Allied forces, which included the U.S.
Here’s what you should understand regarding Trump’s proposals:
What actions is Trump taking and what could be his reasons?
The Republican president is designating specific days for the U.S. to celebrate being on the winning side in World War I and World War II. He complained in recent social media posts that Americans don’t spend enough time celebrating those achievements, which he said wouldn’t have been possible without the U.S.
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
“Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II. I am hereby renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day for World War I,” he said last week on social media. “We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything – That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”
Can Trump rename an existing federal holiday?
No. Nov. 11 is already Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the U.S., and only Congress can create, rename or take it back. That could explain why Trump backed away from his “renaming” plan and said he’d instead be “declaring” national holidays instead.
“We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it – Everyone else does! All over the World, the Allies are celebrating the Victory we had in World War II. The only Country that doesn’t celebrate is the United States of America, and the Victory was only accomplished because of us,” he wrote Monday on social media. “Without the United States, the War would have been won by other Countries, and what a different World it would be. Therefore, I am hereby declaring a National Holiday in celebration of the Victories of World War I, where the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and World War II, where the Victory date was May 8, 1945.”
He signed a proclamation on Wednesday that designates May 8, 2025, as a “day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.” He’s expected to issue a similar proclamation for World War I later this year.
Is Thursday a holiday from work?
No, Thursday is not a federal holiday and therefore not a day off from work.
Only Congress can create federal holidays
, and Trump has lamented that their number is already excessive.
What does he anticipate will occur across the U.S. during these times?
The specifics remain ambiguous. Trump did not clarify his vision, and the announcement provided no further information. However, when questioned separately at a White House press event on Wednesday, he pointed out that nations like France appeared to be preparing for Victory Day.
“I believe not celebrating it is a tremendous oversight,” Trump stated.
What occurs in different nations?
Each significant anniversary, such as this year’s 80th celebration of VE Day, Britain commemorates the occasion through parades, aerial displays, and memorial services.
British royal family
Traditionally, someone observes airplanes passing overhead from a balcony at Buckingham Palace.
Russia celebrates
On Fridays, the Victory Day celebrations feature grand displays of military might, showcasing thousands of soldiers and an array of heavy machinery traversing Red Square, along with numerous airshows involving multiple warplanes. Throughout the nation, various cities host military processions, spectacular firework displays, and additional celebratory events.
What have veterans groups said about Trump’s plans?
Rob Couture, director of public affairs for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said they are encouraged by any steps that “bring attention to the service of veterans from that time.”
Just over
Of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II, 66,100 were still living.
as of 2024.
Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
