Trump Plans to Rename Veterans Day to 'Victory Day'

President Donald Trump announced plans to rename Veterans Day as 'Victory Day for World War I' and to designate May 8 as 'Victory Day for World War II,' arguing that the United States should more explicitly celebrate its military victories. Trump asserted that America did more than any other country to secure victory in World War II, a claim that drew criticism for downplaying the significant sacrifices of allies such as the Soviet Union. Critics also pointed out historical inaccuracies, such as the fact that World War II did not end for the U.S. until Japan's surrender in August 1945. The proposal sparked backlash from veterans, historians, and commentators who argued that it ignores the broader purpose of Veterans Day, which was established to honor all American veterans, and that it mirrors Russian traditions rather than American ones. Trump made the announcement through a social media post, but has not taken formal action, and only Congress has the authority to change federal holidays. The move was widely condemned as disrespectful to veterans and as a misunderstanding of both American history and international wartime contributions.