Donald Trump has seemingly taken a swipe at Britain, France and “other countries” for celebrating VE Day, saying they have America to thank for World War Two success.
Speaking to reporters in the White House, the 47th President said America has failed to properly recognise its efforts in both world wars.
The Republican announced two new commemorative days to recognise the end of the First and Second World Wars, but admitted Americans will not be getting any extra days off.
Detailing the two national holidays for Americans to commemorate US victories in the First and Second World Wars, Trump told reporters: "The United States has never joined in with the proper celebration of our own.
Trump hit out at Britain and France's 'strange' VE Day celebrations
Reuters
"And the victory was mostly accomplished because of us.
"Whether you like it or not, we came into that war and we won that war, and we had a lot of help from a lot of great people, a lot of great allies."
He added: "But I think there would be nobody that would say that we were not the dominant force in that war, and we don't celebrate it.
"And I think that's a great disservice to the people that lost their lives and people that fought so hard in winning World War two.
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Trump said America not celebrating the victories of the two world wars is a 'disservice'
Reuters
"And also a separate victory day for World War One. And we're going to be doing that too."
Taking aim at "other countries" who celebrate victories of war, such as VE Day, Trump recalled watching coverage of the events, branding them "strange".
Trump said: "I think it's time that the United States start taking credit for their achievements. And it's I really believe it's a shame.
"I was watching for the last week and I noticed France, I noticed other countries all getting ready for Victory Day. And I said, that's sort of strange, because we also rebuilt the world. And I didn't have that, and I should have that. That was a big factor."
Britain marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with various celebrations across the country, including lighting up London's historic landmarks with iconic images, and the historic Royal Family appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony - with a procession and flypast in London being broadcast on national television.
Trump said it is time for America to start 'celebrating victory' as America 'won the war'
GB News
"VE Day 80" events will take place from May 5, 2025, to May 8, 2025, to honour veterans and commemorate the end of the Second World War.
Combining military and civilian deaths, the total number of British deaths in World War II was approximately 450,800.
Approximately 407,316 American military personnel died during World War II.
The Soviet Union suffered the highest number of fatalities during World War II, with estimates ranging from 22 to 27 million deaths.
