Trump declares U.S. the true victor of WWII, mocks Europe’s celebrations
A Bold Claim in Qatar
President Donald Trump delivered a striking message to U.S. service members at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
He declared the United States as the primary victor of World War II. The 78-year-old former president used the occasion to explain his recent executive order.
It designates May 8 as a national holiday: “Victory Day for World War II.”
The move, he said, was inspired by his realization that numerous other nations already commemorate the war’s end on that date, known globally as VE Day (Victory in Europe Day).
Trump’s remarks carried a mix of pride and frustration. “I’d call up a certain country and they said, ‘Oh, we’re celebrating the victory of World War II today, sir,’” he recounted.
“Then I speak to another one, and they were celebrating. And the fact is, Russia was celebrating, France was celebrating, everybody was celebrating but us. And we’re the ones that won the war.”
His tone was unmistakable: America’s role in WWII deserves singular recognition.
“We won the war,” Trump declared. “And they helped, but without us, they don’t win the war. We’re all speaking German. Without us, they’re speaking German — maybe a little Japanese too”.
His words reinforced a narrative of American exceptionalism. They also sparked debate over historical accuracy and diplomatic sensitivity.
Rewriting the WWII Narrative
Trump’s address was a deliberate effort to reframe the narrative of WWII.
He acknowledged the contributions of other Allied nations but emphasized that the U.S. was the driving force.
“We’re the ones that won the war,” he insisted, suggesting other nations played secondary roles.
Historically, the Allied Forces of WWII included the United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and China.
Many other nations also contributed significantly. France, Poland, Canada, Australia, India, Greece, Norway, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines provided troops, resources, and sacrifices to defeat the Axis powers.
The Soviet Union alone suffered millions of casualties, while Britain endured years of bombing and resistance.
Yet, Trump’s remarks positioned America as the indispensable power, without which the outcome would have been drastically different.
| Country | Key WWII Contributions |
|---|---|
| United States | Industrial production, D-Day invasion, Pacific theater dominance |
| Soviet Union | Eastern Front victories, massive casualties, Stalingrad turning point |
| United Kingdom | Battle of Britain, intelligence efforts, North African campaign |
| China | Resistance against Japan, tying down Japanese forces in Asia |
| France | Free French forces, resistance movements, post-liberation contributions |
| Others (e.g., Canada, Australia) | Troops, resources, and strategic support across multiple theaters |
This table illustrates the collaborative nature of the Allied victory, highlighting the complexity Trump’s claims overlook.
New Holidays: Victory Days for Both World Wars
Trump announced two new commemorative days. May 8 is now “Victory Day for World War II.”
November 11, already observed as Veterans Day, will also be known as “Victory Day for World War I.”
“I got my crack staff over there, and we did it,” he told the audience in Qatar.
“We have May 8, and we also have the date in November. That sacred date in November for World War I, because we won that war, too.”
He clarified that these holidays would not mean time off. “We have a lot of holidays, I’m not so sure we should have them, and you don’t have to go to work. Our country has to go to work,” he said.
“So we’re going to have a working holiday for each one of those two dates”.
This reflects Trump’s pragmatic approach to national celebrations, balancing historical recognition with economic productivity.
Understanding VE Day and Global Commemorations
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945.
It is a public holiday in many European countries, including France and the United Kingdom.
Russia celebrates on May 9 due to time zone differences . These nations honor the day with parades, ceremonies, and reflections on the cost of freedom.
In the United States, VE Day is recognized but not as a federal holiday.
The U.S. has traditionally focused on V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) on September 2, marking Japan’s surrender.
Trump’s executive order aligns the U.S. with global VE Day commemorations but adds a nationalistic emphasis on America’s role.
By renaming November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I,” Trump ties together America’s roles in both world wars.
November 11 already marks the 1918 armistice that ended World War I, observed as Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.
These new designations aim to celebrate American military achievements more assertively.
Trump’s Tone: Praise for Troops, Jabs at Allies
Trump balanced his historical claims with praise for the U.S. military. Addressing the troops in Qatar, he said, “As president, my priority is to end conflicts, not start them.
“But I will never hesitate to wield American power if it’s necessary to defend the United States of America or our partners. And this is one of our great partners right here”.
He continued, “When we’re threatened, America’s military will answer our enemies without even thinking about it.”
“You’re the people that are defeating chaos, combating terror, defending our interests, supporting our allies, securing our homeland and making America incredibly proud. And, you know what? Making America great again.”
His remarks included lighter moments, particularly when targeting allies.
He poked fun at French President Emmanuel Macron, whom he called a “good guy, by the way.”
Recalling a recent phone call, Trump mimicked Macron: “‘Donald, we are celebrating our victory over the Germans’”.
“I said, what the hell? Every country I’ve spoken to in the last week is celebrating the war but us. Isn’t that terrible?” The comment drew laughs but underscored a potential strain in transatlantic relations.
Implications and Reactions
Trump’s remarks have sparked varied reactions. Supporters praise his focus on American pride, seeing it as a correction to perceived imbalances in global commemorations.
Critics, however, argue that his claims oversimplify history and risk alienating allies.
An X post by Trump claiming the U.S. did “far more” than others in WWII drew backlash for its dismissive tone.
The timing is notable, as Europe marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day amid concerns about transatlantic bonds.
A former NATO official described the mood as “more like a funeral” than a celebration, citing strained alliances.
Trump’s narrative of America as the “real winner” could complicate diplomatic efforts, particularly with nations like France and the U.K., which have long honored their WWII contributions.
A New Chapter in National Memory
Trump’s executive order adds a new layer to how the U.S. remembers its role in WWII.
By creating “Victory Day for World War II” and “Victory Day for World War I,” he is reshaping historical memory.
These working holidays symbolize a shift toward assertive celebration of American military achievements.
Whether this strengthens national unity or deepens divisions remains unclear.
Trump’s vision of history places America at the forefront, a narrative that resonates with his base but challenges the collective memory of a global victory.
As the world reflects on WWII’s legacy, his remarks ensure that the conversation remains as complex as the history itself.
