Trump Claims US Led WWII Victory, Mocks France, Europe

During a speech to U.S. troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, President Donald Trump claimed that the United States did more than any other country to win World War II and criticized France for celebrating the victory despite its rapid surrender to Nazi Germany in 1940. Trump mocked French President Emmanuel Macron and suggested that without the U.S., the world would be speaking German or Japanese, downplaying the significant contributions of other Allied nations, especially the Soviet Union. Historians and commentators criticized Trump's remarks as a distortion of history, highlighting the massive sacrifices of the Red Army and the complex role of France during the war. Trump also announced an executive order to establish May 8 as a national "Victory Day for World War II" holiday in the U.S., noting that other countries celebrate VE Day while the U.S. does not. His comments sparked backlash due to their nationalistic tone and the perception of diminishing the efforts of America's allies. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions about historical memory and the recognition of contributions in the Allied victory.