Trump to rename Veterans Day and May 8 as Victory Days for WWI and WWII

Trump proposes renaming Veterans Day and recognizing May 8 as WWII Victory Day, raising questions about veterans' inclusion.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to graduating students at the Coleman Coliseum at the University of Alabama on May 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a move that could reshape the nation’s military commemorations, President Donald Trump said he plans to rename Veterans Day as “Victory Day for World War I” and designate May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II.” The proposal, announced late Thursday on Trump’s Truth Social platform, is part of a broader effort to shift national attention toward celebrating past American military victories.

“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,” Trump wrote in the post. “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”

The announcement immediately sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with some praising the emphasis on military achievement, while others expressed concern that the move could sideline recognition for veterans of more recent conflicts. “Trump rename Veterans Day” quickly began trending on social media as commentators debated the implications of such a change.

Victory Day vs Veterans Day

Currently, Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11, a date that marks the end of World War I in 1918. It was initially known as Armistice Day, established to honor veterans of the “war to end all wars.” Over time, it evolved into a holiday recognizing all U.S. military veterans. The day became a federal holiday in 1968.

Trump’s proposal would not eliminate the holiday, but rather narrow its focus to World War I, turning it into “Victory Day for World War I.” While he offered no executive order or formal documentation to support the name change, the announcement suggests a significant rebranding of how Americans commemorate military service.

In addition to renaming Veterans Day, Trump proposed that May 8 be officially recognized as “Victory Day for World War II.” May 8, 1945—commonly known as V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day)—is already celebrated by many U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom and France, as the day Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally to Allied forces. However, the war continued in the Pacific until Japan’s surrender in August 1945, after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Trump’s framing of May 8 as a singular moment of U.S. triumph overlooks this later phase of the war, which cost hundreds of thousands of lives. It also raises questions about how inclusive the new holiday would be toward veterans who served in the Pacific Theater and other conflicts beyond Europe.

Political and historical implications

The proposal to rename Veterans Day could have major implications for how Americans remember their military history. Some historians argue that such a rebranding could unintentionally diminish the sacrifices of veterans who served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Critics worry that consolidating recognition around World War I could marginalize those who fought in later and often more controversial wars.

Veterans organizations have not yet issued official statements, but some retired military personnel expressed concern on online forums and in interviews with regional outlets. “Veterans Day isn’t about one war or one battle,” said retired Army officer Monica Grant. “It’s about every American who put on the uniform. Changing that could make some feel erased.”

The proposal also touches a nerve in geopolitical memory. Trump’s assertion that “nobody was close to us” in winning World War II could be viewed as historically reductive. While U.S. military contributions were pivotal, especially in liberating Western Europe and the Pacific islands, the Soviet Union played a decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany. With an estimated 26 million Soviet casualties and several major victories, including the final assault on Berlin in May 1945, the USSR’s role is widely acknowledged by historians as critical.

Even U.S. generals and diplomatic scholars have noted that Trump’s narrative overlooks the complexity of allied cooperation during the war. “You don’t defeat a global fascist movement without allies,” said U.S. ambassador and military historian Andrew Kent. “Any commemoration that simplifies that risks distorting history.”

Questions about veterans policy

The announcement arrives at a time when Trump’s approach to veterans’ issues is already under scrutiny. In March, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins acknowledged that the administration was exploring substantial staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). According to leaked internal documents, tens of thousands of VA jobs could be eliminated under a broader initiative led by the Elon Musk-chaired Department of Government Efficiency.

Critics argue that such cuts could reduce access to essential healthcare and support services for the country’s roughly 18 million veterans. In light of these developments, some observers view Trump’s “Victory Day” initiative as symbolic rhetoric lacking real policy backing.

“Changing the name of a holiday does not equal improving the lives of veterans,” said Robyn Mitchell, a policy analyst with Veterans First, a Washington-based advocacy group. “If the administration is serious about honoring military service, the priority should be funding care, housing, and mental health services.”

Cultural resonance and historical memory

The idea of naming holidays after victories is not new. Many former Soviet republics still celebrate May 9 as “Victory Day” in commemoration of the defeat of Nazi Germany. These holidays often come with military parades, patriotic speeches, and widespread public participation. However, critics of authoritarian regimes have pointed out that such commemorations can be co-opted for political messaging.

Trump’s admiration for showmanship in state functions is well-documented. In 2019, he hosted a military parade in Washington, D.C., on July 4 that drew comparisons to similar spectacles abroad. His emphasis on “winning” as a national theme echoes slogans used during his presidential campaigns and rallies.

Still, the meaning of Veterans Day in the United States has long centered on sacrifice rather than celebration. Changing it to focus explicitly on victory could signal a cultural shift in how military service is honored—one that prioritizes military success over personal commitment and shared national responsibility.

No executive action—yet

Despite the significance of the announcement, Trump has not signed an executive order or submitted any formal request to Congress. As such, the proposed changes currently exist only as statements on social media. Nevertheless, they carry potential weight heading into the 2024 campaign season, as Trump continues to rally support from conservative voters, many of whom hold deep respect for the U.S. military.

Whether the idea gains traction will likely depend on political response and public sentiment. With Veterans Day just six months away and May 8 approaching within days, observers will be watching closely to see if Trump takes any further steps.

For now, the proposal has reignited debate over how the United States remembers its past—and whose stories are told in its most sacred commemorations.