Trump Proclaims New "Victory" Holidays: Reality vs. Rhetoric
Former President Donald Trump ignited a flurry of discussion with a recent post on his Truth Social platform, declaring his intention to establish two new national holidays commemorating the end of World War I and World War II. Trump’s proclamation, delivered on May 5, aims to formally recognize the Allied victories of both global conflicts, mirroring the widespread European celebration of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) on May 8.
Trump stated, "All over the World, the Allies are celebrating the Victory we had in World War II. The only Country that doesn’t celebrate is the United States of America, and the Victory was only accomplished because of us." He further announced, "I am hereby declaring a National Holiday in celebration of the Victories of World War I, where the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and World War II, where the Victory date was May 8, 1945." He envisions renaming Veterans Day, already observed on November 11, as "Victory Day for World War I" and designating May 8 as "Victory Day for World War II."
However, the path to officially establishing these holidays is paved with significant hurdles. A social media post, regardless of the author’s past presidential authority, holds no legal weight in creating a federal holiday.
The Labyrinth of Holiday Creation
The process for establishing federal holidays in the United States is clearly defined: it requires legislative action by Congress. While the President can certainly advocate for new holidays, the ultimate decision rests with the House of Representatives and the Senate. These bodies must pass legislation recognizing the holiday, which then needs the President’s signature to become law.
Furthermore, even if Congress were to approve these "Victory" holidays, their application would be limited. Federal holidays technically only apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. States retain the autonomy to determine their own legal holidays, meaning that a federal designation would not automatically translate into a day off for all Americans.
Practical Implications: No Day Off
Trump himself acknowledged the unlikelihood of widespread closures for these newly proposed holidays. "We will not be closing the Country for these two very important Holidays, November 11 and May 8, World War I and World War II, because we already have too many Holidays in America," he wrote. "There are not enough days left in the year. We were Workers then, and we are Workers now!"
This caveat raises questions about the true purpose of Trump’s proclamation. Is it a genuine effort to honor veterans and commemorate pivotal historical events, or a symbolic gesture designed to resonate with a specific segment of his supporters?
Trump’s History with Holiday Declarations
This isn’t the first instance of Trump announcing a holiday or seeking to alter existing ones. He previously declared February 9 as "Gulf of America Day" and expressed his intention to "bring Columbus Day back from the ashes," criticizing the growing trend of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day.
These actions underscore a pattern of Trump using holiday declarations to make a political statement, appealing to certain constituencies while potentially alienating others. His desire to rename Veterans Day, a holiday deeply ingrained in American tradition, has drawn particular scrutiny.
The Current Holiday Landscape
Currently, the United States observes 12 federal holidays, providing paid time off for federal employees and often serving as days off for many in the private sector. These holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Adding two more holidays to this list would undoubtedly have economic implications, potentially impacting productivity and requiring adjustments from businesses across the country. The practicality of adding two holidays, particularly when the former president states there are "too many holidays in America" appears contradictory.
VE Day: A European Tradition
The focus on May 8, Victory in Europe Day, highlights a distinction between American and European traditions. V-E Day commemorates the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allied forces on May 8, 1945. While the United States played a crucial role in the Allied victory, V-E Day is primarily celebrated in Europe, marking the end of the war on the European front.
Conclusion: Symbolism vs. Substance
Donald Trump’s proclamation of new "Victory" holidays serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between symbolism and substance in politics. While the gesture may appeal to certain segments of the population, the practical realities of establishing federal holidays and the lack of guaranteed time off raise questions about the true intent behind the announcement. The pronouncement remains, for now, a Truth Social post that requires the lengthy legislative process to move from the realm of announcement to becoming a holiday observed by the nation. The move will most likely bring both support and opposition as a cultural and political issue.
