President Donald Trump announced Thursday a bold proposal to change the meaning of a major U.S. holiday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he wants to rename Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I.”
This federal holiday, observed annually on November 11, has long honored American veterans of all wars. However, Trump believes the nation should shift focus.
“We won both Wars,” Trump wrote. “But we never celebrate our victories. That’s because we don’t have real leaders anymore.”
In addition to renaming Veterans Day, Trump also proposed celebrating May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II.” However, May 8 is not a recognized federal holiday.
Traditionally, May 8 marks the end of World War II in Europe, known as V-E Day. Yet historians note the war continued in the Pacific until September.
Congress has the authority to create or rename federal holidays, but states can choose whether to observe them. So far, Trump has not said if he wants May 8 made an official holiday.
Originally, November 11 commemorated the end of World War I. In 1938, Congress named it Armistice Day, focusing on peace and remembrance.
After World War II and the Korean War, veterans’ groups urged Congress to expand the holiday. In 1954, it became Veterans Day, honoring all American veterans.
Trump’s recent proposal ignores this broader history. His post did not mention how he would honor veterans from later conflicts.
Veterans from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan are traditionally included in Veterans Day ceremonies. For now, Trump’s proposal leaves their recognition uncertain.
Trump also praised America’s military strength during both world wars. He insisted the U.S. deserves greater credit for its global victories.
Still, many historians disagree with his timeline. They note that World War II ended officially on September 2, not May 8.
That date marks Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. It’s often called V-J Day.
Despite controversy, Trump’s push for renaming Veterans Day has gained traction among some supporters. They argue the country should celebrate its military victories more openly.
However, critics say such changes could erase decades of meaning behind the current holiday. They warn against politicizing national days of remembrance.
As debate continues, Congress would need to act before any official change. Until then, renaming Veterans Day remains just a proposal, not policy.
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