A screenshot from Donald J. Trump’s Truth Social account has once again stirred controversy, not for its shock value—those days are long gone—but for its familiar blend of historical ignorance, exaggerated nationalism, and overreach of presidential authority. The post in question declares that May 8 will now be “Victory Day for World War II” and that November 11 will become “Victory Day for World War I.” According to Trump, “we won both wars,” and “nobody was close to us” in terms of military brilliance. He even goes so far as to claim the United States “never celebrates anything,” insisting this renaming will correct that.
Let us be clear: the post is misleading, historically inaccurate, and legally impotent. Even if it is authentically from Trump’s Truth Social account—and stylistically, it appears to be—its content ignores both historical facts and the limits of presidential power in the United States.
This post will unpack the legal flaws, distortions of historical truth, and the rhetorical manipulation embedded in Trump’s remarks. In doing so, we reaffirm the importance of accuracy, humility, and shared history in national memory.
Can a U.S. President Rename National Holidays?
The short answer: no. A U.S. president does not have the authority to unilaterally rename federal holidays, much less rewrite internationally observed days of remembrance.
Congress establishes federal holidays through legislation. For example, Veterans Day—celebrated on November 11—was established as Armistice Day in 1938 and renamed by an act of Congress in 1954. Presidents may issue proclamations, but these do not carry the legal force to override or create holidays on their own. The idea that any one president, even with strong congressional backing, could rename a holiday as universally significant as Veterans Day via a Truth Social post is absurd.
May 8, known internationally as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), marks the Allied triumph over Nazi Germany. It is not an official U.S. federal holiday, but it is widely observed through remembrances, especially in Europe. Trump’s assertion that he is “hereby renaming” it carries no legal weight. The performative language is pure political theater.
November 11: Already Veterans Day
November 11 is not an unmarked day in American history. Quite the opposite. Originally recognized as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I (the armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918), the United States officially renamed it Veterans Day in 1954. The new name broadened the scope of the holiday to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in the Great War.
Calling for it to be renamed again to “Victory Day for World War I” not only ignores the rich historical significance already embedded in the date but would also narrow its purpose. Veterans Day is a moment for national reflection and gratitude to all who served—not a chest-thumping military celebration limited to a single conflict.
Historical Revisionism: The “We Won Both Wars Alone” Narrative
One of the most dangerous aspects of the post is the implication that the United States single-handedly won both World War I and World War II. This narrative is not only false—it is a slap in the face to the millions of soldiers, civilians, and resistance fighters from other Allied nations who died or suffered during these conflicts.
In World War I, the United States entered the war in 1917, three years after it began. By that point, the British and French had already sustained horrific casualties. The Russians, who had fought valiantly, exited the war after the 1917 revolution. While American troops brought fresh strength and morale, the war had already been shaped by years of brutal trench warfare, chemical attacks, and political turmoil.
World War II presents an even more glaring case of international sacrifice. The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the war against Nazi Germany, suffering approximately 27 million deaths, including both military and civilian casualties. The United Kingdom endured years of bombing, famine, and economic devastation. France, China, Poland, and countless others contributed to the Allied cause.
Yes, the United States played a pivotal role. The Normandy invasion, the Pacific theater, and the Manhattan Project are all defining chapters in the American wartime narrative. But these victories were shared, not singular. Trump’s suggestion that “nobody was close to us” in military brilliance is not only arrogant—it is historically dishonest.
Celebration Fatigue or Selective Amnesia?
The claim that “we never celebrate anything” is, quite frankly, a lie. The United States dedicates multiple federal holidays, national remembrance events, and military commemorations to honor its history and those who served.
Among them:
Memorial Day: Honors those who died while serving in the military. Veterans Day: Honors all who have served. Independence Day: Celebrates American sovereignty. Patriot Day (September 11): Acknowledges the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks. Flag Day: Observes the adoption of the U.S. flag. D-Day, VJ Day, VE Day: Regularly commemorated at military bases and historical sites, even if not federal holidays.
Even private sector institutions, schools, and local governments hold countless ceremonies and educational programs around these days. Trump’s lament that Americans do not know how to celebrate victories is not only inaccurate—it is insulting to veterans, teachers, and community leaders who work year after year to ensure remembrance is part of our civic fabric.
Why the Rhetoric Matters: From Patriotism to Propaganda
Language like Trump’s is not harmless. It reshapes collective memory into a narrow and self-serving narrative. By implying that only he, or leaders like him, know how to “celebrate” properly, he sets himself up as the sole arbiter of patriotic legitimacy. This is textbook authoritarian rhetoric: redefine the past, claim sole credit, and delegitimize others.
In reality, public memory should never be monopolized by a single person or party. The strength of American democracy lies in its plurality—not in presidential edicts declaring who gets to claim victory.
What Happens When We Rewrite History on Social Media?
Truth Social, unlike Twitter/X, does not have a robust public archive. There is limited transparency. Posts can be deleted, altered, or misrepresented with little accountability. That makes fact-checking more difficult, but it does not excuse misleading content.
The viral nature of these posts means they often escape the boundaries of the platform. Screenshots circulate on Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram. Without proper context or challenge, they shape how people—especially younger users—understand history. This is especially concerning when the posts come from former presidents who wield significant influence over their base.
What Would a “Victory Day” Actually Mean?
If the intention were sincere, creating a new “Victory Day” could be a bipartisan opportunity to honor global alliances and reflect on the sacrifices of war. But that is not what Trump proposed. His version of “Victory Day” is not about memory, loss, or shared freedom—it is about nationalistic ego.
There is no mention in the post of the Holocaust. No acknowledgment of Japanese-American internment. No mention of the lives lost to fascism, colonialism, or genocide. Victory, in this context, is stripped of complexity. It becomes little more than a trophy.
That is not remembrance. That is erasure.
Conclusion: Facts Matter, Memory Matters More
Donald Trump’s Truth Social post claiming to rename historical days of remembrance is more than an exercise in vanity. It reflects a dangerous cocktail of ignorance, pride, and power lust. It misrepresents legal authority, rewrites history, and reduces global struggles to soundbites.
History deserves more than this. Our veterans deserve more. Our educators, students, and allies deserve more. If we are to teach future generations about the meaning of sacrifice and triumph, we must do so with integrity, humility, and shared respect.
Trump’s post may score points on Truth Social, but it loses the war for historical truth.
What You Can Do
Teach accurate history. Support curriculum that includes global contributions to both World Wars. Contact your representatives if you see attempts to rewrite holidays for political purposes. Share verified information when posts like this go viral. Support veterans by donating to services that provide housing, healthcare, and trauma recovery—not just symbolic holidays.
Call to Action
Let us not allow bombast to replace bravery, nor slogans to replace sacrifice. Real victory is not declared—it is remembered. And remembrance must be honest.
