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President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday declaring May 8, 2025, as “Victory Day” to celebrate the United States’ role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II — echoing annual celebrations already held across Europe to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The move comes on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, as countries like the United Kingdom and France honor the Allied victory with parades, flyovers, and ceremonies. Trump said the U.S. deserves its own formal celebration, asserting that America’s military power was decisive in the war’s outcome.
“Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other Country, by far,” Trump wrote last week on social media. “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”
Trump’s proclamation names May 8 as a day to commemorate the Allied victory in World War II and signals a similar proclamation later this year for World War I. He had earlier suggested renaming November 11 as “Victory Day” for WWI but later acknowledged that only Congress can officially rename or create federal holidays.
What the proclamation means:
While the designation does not create a new federal holiday — meaning May 8 will not be a day off from work — Trump hopes it will spur nationwide recognition of the U.S.’s role in global military victories.
“We don’t celebrate it and I think that’s a great disservice,” Trump said Wednesday during an Oval Office appearance. He added that countries like France and Russia visibly mark VE Day, and the U.S. should do the same.
What happens next?
Trump has not announced any official events or activities associated with Victory Day. His proclamation encourages Americans to reflect on the heroism of those who served in WWII, but lacks directives for government agencies or private citizens.
In contrast, European countries treat VE Day as a central moment of national remembrance. In the U.K., parades and air shows mark the date, while Russia hosts massive military parades in Red Square to celebrate its victory over Nazi Germany — commemorated a day later on May 9 due to time zone differences.
Limitations and reactions:
Trump’s unilateral declaration underscores his frustration with what he sees as America’s underappreciation of its military victories. However, legal experts note that proclamations do not carry the force of law and do not establish official federal holidays, which require an act of Congress.
Veterans groups and historians were mixed in their response. Some welcomed the attention to WWII commemorations, while others questioned the politicization of military history. Critics also pointed out that Veterans Day — already observed on November 11 — honors all who served, including those who fought in both world wars.
Nonetheless, Trump’s proclamation signals a push for renewed public celebration of American military might and may influence how future presidents approach national commemorations.
