Overview
- At Arlington National Cemetery, after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, President Trump said Nov. 11 will also be called “Victory Day for World War I,” appearing with Vice President JD Vance and VA Secretary Doug Collins.
- He said the label should extend to World War II as well, arguing that nations like France, the United Kingdom, and Russia hold victory commemorations and declaring, “we’re the one that won the wars.”
- The designation reflects a presidential proclamation and statement rather than a statutory change, and any formal renaming of Veterans Day would require congressional action.
- Reactions from veterans’ organizations and historians were mixed, with backers welcoming a focus on victory and critics cautioning it shifts attention from honoring all who served.
- Trump also asserted his administration has “renamed” the Department of Defense the “Department of War,” highlighting a broader push for symbolic military rebranding.