President Donald Trump has announced that May 8 will be recognized as “Victory Day for World War II” in the United States, asserting that the US did more than any other country to secure victory in the war. This declaration has sparked criticism from various international leaders and historians.
Trump’s Statement
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump stated:
“Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II.”
He further proposed renaming November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I,” emphasizing the United States’ contributions to both conflicts.
International Reactions
Russia
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, criticized Trump’s statement as “pretentious nonsense,” according to Reuters. He highlighted the Soviet Union’s sacrifice of 27 million lives in defeating fascism and reaffirmed Russia’s historic claim to Victory Day on May 9.
United Kingdom
General Lord Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, condemned Trump’s remarks as a revision of history, according to The Times UK. He reminded that the US joined WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor and questioned Trump’s possible anti-European sentiment.
United States
The White House clarified, according to The Daily Beast, that there are no plans to officially rename Veterans Day. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that it would be an additional proclamation on that day.
Historical Context
Victory in Europe (VE) Day, according to Fox News, celebrated on May 8, marks the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. The US continued to fight in the Pacific theater until Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945. Therefore, the assertion that the US won WWII on May 8 overlooks the broader context of the war.
