Donald Trump stirred controversy by claiming Europe might speak Japanese today if not for U.S. involvement in winning World War II.
Bold statements during Qatar troop visit stir controversy
Donald Trump sparks headlines again with bold claims about World War II and Europe’s contribution to the Allied victory.
On May 15, during his Middle East tour, Trump spoke to U.S. troops stationed in Qatar.
He criticized European countries for commemorating WWII while, in his view, downplaying America’s central role in securing victory.
In a controversial speech, Trump criticized the U.S. for not celebrating WWII like European nations, drawing backlash online and from global observers.
He recalled recent conversations with various world leaders who were observing the anniversary of the war’s end on May 8.
Trump faces backlash after claiming Europe might speak ‘a little Japanese’ if not for US efforts
Trump asserted that without American intervention, European nations would not have prevailed.
He continued: “I speak to one of the presidents or prime ministers or whatever. And they were so busy, ‘Oh yes we’re celebrating the victory of WW2’. And I speak to another one and they’re celebrating.
“And the fact is Russia was celebrating, France was celebrating, everyone but us.
“And we’re the ones that won the war. We won the war and they help, but without us they don’t win the war, we’re all speaking German – without us they’re speaking German and maybe a little Japanese too.”
His comment wasn’t just aimed broadly at Europe—he specifically pointed a finger at France.
He questioned the extent of French contributions during the war and mocked French President Emmanuel Macron by imitating his accent.
“We did a little more than France,” Trump said, referring to the American effort in WWII.
“When Hitler gave a speech at the Eiffel Tower, that wasn’t exactly a strong moment for France,” he added.
The president proposes new national holidays for war victories
To address the perceived lack of American recognition, Trump proposed formal observances for both World Wars.
He declared that May 8 and November 11 should be known as American “Victory Days.”
These dates would commemorate U.S. triumphs in World War II and World War I, respectively.
He claimed this would honor the true contribution of the United States to global freedom, asserting that America “won both wars” and deserves distinct recognition.
“Every country celebrates, but we don’t,” Trump said, framing it as an oversight he intends to correct.
Social media reactions
Trump’s comments ignited fierce debate online.
While some supported the call for more patriotic celebration of military success, many found his remarks offensive and historically misleading.
Critics emphasized the Allied victory came from joint efforts, especially sacrifices by the Soviet Union, UK, and European resistance movements.
One social media user wrote, “Without France, Americans would still be drinking British tea,” referencing France’s critical support during the American Revolution.
Others slammed Trump’s comments as ignorant and unnecessarily antagonistic.
“This is why Europe wants nothing to do with the US,” a Twitter user stated, while another dismissed the remarks by calling Trump “a moron.”
The second user wrote: America would be speaking Japanese if not for the rest of the Allies.
The third user commented: All this coming from a draft dodger.
The fourth user said: No, they would be speaking German.
All of Asia would be speaking Japanese.
Another user added: Ha! Ha! and likely US would be speaking German if it wasnt for Europe and Canada and Australia!