Trump’s surprise holiday proposal: Could these new observances rewrite America’s history calendar?
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Should America create two new national holidays to mark its past victories on the world stage?
President Donald Trump says yes—and he’s not waiting for Congress to decide.
In a recent post that sparked both curiosity and debate, he proposed turning May 8 and November 11 into something more than just dates on a calendar.
Trump’s proposal names two dates for national recognition: May 8 (Victory in Europe Day, marking the Nazi surrender in 1945) and November 11 (the 1918 World War I armistice).
But unlike traditional federal holidays, these wouldn’t come with time off or office closures.
Trump emphasized, “We already have too many holidays in America.” These would be symbolic—meant for reflection, not relaxation.
The announcement immediately raised eyebrows because November 11 is already Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day,
It was renamed in 1954 to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in World War I. Some feared Trump’s proclamation was an attempt to rebrand or even replace the holiday.
But after a wave of backlash, the White House clarified that Veterans Day isn’t being changed—just “layered” with new meaning.
Read also: Trump teases bold next move at high-energy Michigan rally—“we’re just getting started”
According to Trump, it’s about giving America its due.
“Won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it,” he said.
Critics argue the statement ignores the complex, global nature of those conflicts—and downplays the sacrifices of other allied nations.
Russia, for instance, celebrates its own Victory Day on May 9, and Trump’s framing has already sparked discussion abroad.
Despite the term “national holiday,” Trump’s proposal doesn’t carry legal weight.
Only Congress can designate official federal holidays that close government offices and give workers the day off.
No executive order has been signed, and there’s no active legislation in Congress to make these dates official. For now, the idea is more a statement than a policy.
Read next: Law and order? Why Trump thinks Alcatraz deserves a comeback
Should May 8 and November 11 get new recognition as WWII and WWI “Victory Days”? Would these additions enhance our collective memory—or just muddy the meaning of existing holidays? Do we need more reminders of the past, or better use of the ones we already have?
President Donald Trump says yes—and he’s not waiting for Congress to decide.
In a recent post that sparked both curiosity and debate, he proposed turning May 8 and November 11 into something more than just dates on a calendar.
Trump’s proposal names two dates for national recognition: May 8 (Victory in Europe Day, marking the Nazi surrender in 1945) and November 11 (the 1918 World War I armistice).
But unlike traditional federal holidays, these wouldn’t come with time off or office closures.
Trump emphasized, “We already have too many holidays in America.” These would be symbolic—meant for reflection, not relaxation.
The announcement immediately raised eyebrows because November 11 is already Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day,
It was renamed in 1954 to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in World War I. Some feared Trump’s proclamation was an attempt to rebrand or even replace the holiday.
But after a wave of backlash, the White House clarified that Veterans Day isn’t being changed—just “layered” with new meaning.
Read also: Trump teases bold next move at high-energy Michigan rally—“we’re just getting started”
According to Trump, it’s about giving America its due.
“Won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it,” he said.
Critics argue the statement ignores the complex, global nature of those conflicts—and downplays the sacrifices of other allied nations.
Russia, for instance, celebrates its own Victory Day on May 9, and Trump’s framing has already sparked discussion abroad.
Despite the term “national holiday,” Trump’s proposal doesn’t carry legal weight.
Only Congress can designate official federal holidays that close government offices and give workers the day off.
No executive order has been signed, and there’s no active legislation in Congress to make these dates official. For now, the idea is more a statement than a policy.
Read next: Law and order? Why Trump thinks Alcatraz deserves a comeback
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