President Trump said late Thursday that he wants to rename Veterans Day as “Victory Day for World War I.” He explained the change as part of a broader effort to highlight America’s military successes and reinvigorate national pride. Trump has made name changes a consistent theme of his second term, aiming to reshape how the country marks its history.
He also proposed designating May 8 currently observed as Victory in Europe Day as “Victory in World War II Day,” underscoring his desire to make U.S. triumphs more visible. “We won both wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything,” Trump wrote late Thursday night on Truth Social. “That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”
May 8 is not a federal holiday, so any official recognition would require congressional approval. While combat in Europe ended in May 1945, World War II continued in the Pacific until September, when Japan surrendered.
Veterans Day, as it currently stands, honors all U.S. veterans for their service and sacrifice. Originally named Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, the holiday was later expanded to recognize veterans of all wars. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs describes it as a day to celebrate patriotism, national service, and the shared commitment of those who’ve worn the uniform.
Trump is also preparing a large military parade scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army and his 79th birthday.