In a move that has stirred both patriotic fervor and political debate, former United States President Donald J. Trump has announced the declaration of two new national holidays to commemorate the end of World War I and World War II. The announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social platform late Monday night, drawing immediate reactions across the political spectrum.
The 78-year-old former President revealed that November 11 and May 8 will be officially recognized as holidays marking the armistice of World War I and the Allied victory in World War II, respectively. However, Trump emphasized that these days would not be accompanied by a nationwide shutdown or mandatory time off from work.
“We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it — everyone else does!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “All over the world, the Allies are celebrating the victory we had in World War II, yet the United States barely acknowledges it.”
In a patriotic tone typical of his messaging, Trump criticized what he described as a lack of recognition for American sacrifices in global conflicts, particularly World War I and II. He stated that it was time for the United States to join other Allied nations in formally honoring these pivotal historical moments.
“Therefore, I am hereby declaring a National Holiday in celebration of the victories of World War I, where the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and World War II, where the victory date was May 8, 1945,” Trump continued in his post. “We will not be closing the country for these two very important holidays, November 11 and May 8.”
The announcement has added a new twist to America’s already complex holiday calendar. November 11 is currently observed as Veterans Day, a federal holiday that honors military veterans of all wars. While it already exists as a public holiday, Trump’s declaration appears to reframe the day more explicitly around the World War I armistice. May 8, meanwhile, is not a recognized federal holiday in the United States, though it is known globally as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day), commemorating the Allied victory in Europe in 1945.
Political and Historical Context
Historians and political analysts were quick to weigh in on Trump’s move, noting both the symbolism and the potential political motivations behind the announcement.
“Trump is clearly positioning himself as the leader who champions American military greatness and patriotic values,” said Dr. Michael Sanders, a U.S. political historian. “By spotlighting these dates, he taps into a broader narrative of American exceptionalism and historic victory.”
However, critics pointed out that creating a national holiday by presidential declaration, especially as a former president, holds no legal standing unless ratified by Congress. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the authority to designate federal holidays. Trump’s declaration, therefore, may be largely symbolic — unless he returns to office or influences legislation from outside.
That hasn’t stopped supporters from praising the announcement. On conservative platforms and forums, many users lauded Trump’s decision as a long-overdue recognition of American heroism in global conflicts.
“It’s about time someone gave our soldiers and their victories the recognition they deserve,” one commenter wrote on a pro-Trump page. “Only President Trump had the courage to do it.”
No Time Off, Just Recognition
Trump’s clarification that these new holidays would not involve business closures or mandatory time off drew mixed reactions. While some appreciated the intent to avoid economic disruption, others questioned the value of a national holiday without any formal break.
“We’re not asking people to take the day off or shut down the economy,” Trump noted. “We’re asking the nation to honor and remember what our country achieved.”
That statement aligns with Trump’s broader political message of maintaining productivity while embracing traditional values.
Critics from progressive circles accused Trump of using history for political gain, suggesting the move was more about campaigning than commemoration. With the 2024 presidential race having cemented Trump’s role as a key Republican figure — despite legal challenges and ongoing controversies — many view the announcement as part of his strategy to reignite nationalist sentiment among his base.
A Global Tradition
Outside the United States, many countries in Europe and the Commonwealth mark May 8 as Victory in Europe Day and observe November 11 as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, honoring the sacrifices of their armed forces in both world wars.
The United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Australia all host solemn national events, including wreath-laying ceremonies, moments of silence, and parades. In contrast, the United States has historically commemorated Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November, with less emphasis on specific WWII or WWI dates.
“For years, Americans have honored veterans without specifically celebrating our victories,” said Lt. Col. Mark Dalton (Ret.), a military historian. “Trump is trying to restore that sense of triumph and victory.”
What Happens Next?
Though the announcement has no immediate legal effect, it places public and congressional focus on the topic. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers will take action to formalize these holidays or whether Trump’s declarations will remain symbolic gestures.
In the meantime, the former president’s post has gone viral among his supporters, receiving thousands of shares and interactions on Truth Social within hours of publication. It adds to Trump’s ongoing narrative of “putting America first” and reclaiming historical pride, themes that continue to dominate his public appearances and political rallies.
Whether or not these new national holidays take root, Trump’s declaration has certainly sparked a renewed discussion about how the United States honors its military past — and who gets to shape the narrative of national pride.
