During his Middle East trip, Donald Trump declared that the U.S. “won” World War II, boasting that without America, Europe wouldn’t have achieved victory. Speaking to troops in Qatar, he announced plans to designate May 8 as “Victory Day,” arguing that the U.S. contributed more than any other nation in both World Wars. Trump mocked European celebrations of VE Day, claiming, “We’re the ones that won the war,” and joked that America did “a little bit more than France.” He even imitated French President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting it was unfair other countries celebrated while the U.S. didn’t.

Trump’s remarks sparked backlash, as historians noted the U.S. only joined WWII in 1941 after Pearl Harbor, later than other Allied nations. Critics called his comments disrespectful to those who fought and died earlier in the war. One person tweeted, “The US was the last country to show up,” while another added, “This is an insult to the brave souls who defended their country.” Despite Trump’s claims, many emphasized that victory was a collective effort, not solely an American achievement.