Overview
- At Arlington National Cemetery, Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and declared Nov. 11 will also be called “Victory Day” for World War I, saying he wants the same for World War II.
- The White House released a separate Victory Day message, but the official Veterans Day proclamation did not adopt a new name and any legal change would require congressional action.
- Trump said his administration has “officially renamed” the Department of Defense the Department of War, a claim disputed by legal and institutional realities and not reflected in statute.
- The speech honored specific service members and stories of valor, including Medal of Honor recipient William Swenson, retired Brig. Gen. Dale Stovall, Major Sullivan Ballou, and Colonel Bull Wolverton.
- The reframing prompted immediate criticism from commentators who argued it politicizes a day dedicated to honoring service, even as supporters welcomed the emphasis on American victories.