Asger Risom
Former president calls for “restoring pride” and asserts America was the decisive force in securing Allied victories
Donald Trump announced Thursday his intention to rename Veterans Day as “Victory in World War I Day” and rebrand the May 8th Victory in Europe Day as “Victory in World War II Day.” In a post on Truth Social, the former president said the U.S. must resume actively commemorating its historical military triumphs.
“We won both wars. Nobody even came close to us in strength, courage, or military genius,” Trump wrote. “But we don’t celebrate anything anymore because we lack leaders who know how!”
As reported by Digi24, Trump emphasized that these proposed name changes are meant to honor “the unmatched sacrifices of the American people” and correct what he sees as a cultural drift away from national pride.
A Controversial Rebranding
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. It was renamed in the 1950s to include American veterans of all conflicts and became a federal holiday in 1968. Trump’s proposal to reverse that shift would redefine its historical scope, likely drawing criticism from veteran communities and historians.
Trump also argued that the U.S. deserved sole recognition for victory in World War II, stating America did “more than any other country, by far.” The claim is likely to provoke a sharp reaction from Russia, which places national emphasis on the Soviet Union’s massive casualties and decisive Eastern Front campaigns. Nearly 9 million Soviet soldiers and 19 million civilians died in the war.
Looking to the Past for Political Momentum
Trump’s focus on reframing historical commemorations is part of a broader strategy to revitalize nationalist sentiment ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. While Victory in Europe Day is not a U.S. federal holiday, his proposal to elevate and rename it underscores a renewed emphasis on military legacy and patriotic symbolism.
If implemented, the changes would mark a significant cultural shift in how the U.S. officially remembers its role in global conflict — one that may not pass without substantial public and international debate.