Trump declares Thursday, May 8, ‘World War II victory day’ in US

President Donald Trump formally issued a proclamation on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, declaring Thursday, May 8 as a national day for the United States to celebrate its victory in World War II.

This is in aligning the nation with many European countries that already observe the occasion.

This decision comes as countries across Europe, from London to Moscow, commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

This day reportedly marks the surrender of Nazi Germany to Allied forces, including the United States, on May 8, 1945.

In the proclamation signed on Wednesday, Trump praised the sacrifices of the “Greatest Generation,” those Americans who fought overseas during World War II.

“As we commemorate Victory Day for World War II, we offer our unending thanks to every patriot from the Greatest Generation who left behind his home and family to fight for our freedom in distant lands,” he stated.

He also emphasized honoring the memory of those who died in the war.

Trump also reaffirmed a commitment to safeguarding America’s values and global security:

“Above all, we renew our commitment to keeping America and the entire world safe, secure, prosperous, and free.”

While the end of World War II in Europe occurred on May 8, 1945, the war continued in the Pacific until Japan’s surrender in August of that year.

Trump also referenced World War I, which concluded with an armistice on November 11, 1918.

He indicated plans to declare a similar day of national celebration for the end of that conflict later this year.

Neither of these proposed commemorative days is currently recognized as an official federal holiday, which would require congressional approval.

Trump, a Republican and frequent critic of what he views as insufficient national pride, recently expressed dissatisfaction on social media about how the U.S. handles its military victories.

In his view, America underappreciates its historic achievements in warfare, particularly compared to other nations that hold annual celebrations.

He criticized current leadership, stating that American leaders no longer know how to celebrate these monumental victories.

“Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day,” Trump wrote last week on his social media platform.

“But we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result in 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 went on to claim that America’s victory in both global conflicts was unmatched in strength, bravery, and strategic excellence.

“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!”

It’s important to note that November 11 is already recognized in the United States as Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring all military veterans.

While Trump expressed his intent to rename the date as Victory Day for World War I, any changes to official federal holidays require legislative action by Congress.

Acknowledging this legal limitation, Trump revised his stance this week.

He said instead, that he would declare new national holidays to commemorate the victories of both world wars.

In a follow-up post, Trump reinforced his claim that the U.S. played the most decisive role in the Allied victory during both wars.

“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 said.

He further argued that without the United States, the outcome of the wars might have been drastically different:

“Without the United States, the War would have been won by other Countries, and what a different World it would be.”

As a result, Trump declared May 8, 2025, as a “day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.”

This is officially recognizing the role of the United States in ending one of history’s most devastating conflicts and encouraging national reflection on the cost and importance of that victory.

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