Trump declares May 8 as Victory Day in World War II

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will recognise 8 May as Victory Day in World War II, aligning with the date observed by many Western nations to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump noted that “many of our allies and friends celebrate Victory Day on May 8,” adding that “Americans did more to achieve this victory than anyone else.”

He also declared 11 November - traditionally Veterans Day in the United States - as Victory Day in World War I. “We won both wars, but never celebrated because we no longer have leaders who know how to do it,” he wrote.

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, is widely commemorated on 8 May in countries across Europe and North America, marking the formal acceptance by Allied forces of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945. Russia and several other former Soviet states observe Victory Day on 9 May, reflecting the later time the news reached Moscow due to time zones.