Trump just declared May 8 a national holiday. What’s open and closed?

President Donald Trump announced two new national holidays on Monday, including one that would fall just days later on Thursday, May 8. Here’s what you need to know about it.

On Monday, Donald Trump took to social media to announce he was establishing two new national holidays, one of which would fall just days later.

The holidays, he said, were meant to commemorate the ends of World War I and World War II and would fall on Nov. 11 and May 8.

We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it Everyone else does Trump wrote on Truth Social. 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.

It was an announcement that raised all sorts of questions. Would there be a new day off? (Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day, is already a national holiday.) Does Trump even have the power to declare a national holiday? Here’s what you need to know.

Are banks open on May 8?

They are. While banks are generally closed on national holidays, you’ll be able to access your safe deposit box and conduct business as usual. While he was the one who create the holiday, Trump said we will not be closing the Country for them, because we already have too many Holidays in America

Will there be any mail delivery on May 8?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service will operate normally. UPS and FedEx will also conduct business as usual, with drop off locations offering normal hours.

Is the stock market open on May 8?

Absolutely. All major markets will trade as normal.

Are government offices open on May 8?

Yep. States that would like to close for the new holiday haven’t had a chance to put a bill before their legislators yet. And as for the Federal government, Trump was very clear, saying We were Workers then, and we are Workers now

Which retail and grocery stores are closed on May 8?

None. (Seeing a pattern here?) And while retailers rarely let any holiday go by without some sort of sale, this is one they might skip.

Does Trump even have the ability to declare a national holiday?

Yes and no. Anyone can declare a national holiday. There are, after all, some doozies already on the calendar, such as Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (first Saturday of February), Lost Sock Memorial Day (May 9 no, you don’t get that day off either), and National Spaghetti Day (Jan. 4).

Only Congress can designate federal holidays, however and states are free to ignore them. There are currently 12 federal holidays on the books in the U.S. The next one where you’re likely to get a day off is Memorial Day, which falls on May 26 this year.

On May 8, 2025, President Donald Trump proclaimed the day as Victory Day to commemorate the Allied triumph in Europe during World War II. This aligns with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), observed in many European nations on May 8, marking Germany's surrender in 1945. Trump emphasized the significant role of the United States in securing this victory and expressed a desire to reinvigorate national celebrations of military successes .

However, it's important to note that this proclamation does not establish May 8 as a federal holiday. Trump clarified that while the day is recognized for commemoration, it does not entail a day off from work or the closure of government offices, citing the already substantial number of holidays in the U.S. .What’s Open and Closed on May 8, 2025

Given that May 8 is not a federal holiday, the following applies

Government Offices: Federal, state, and local government offices remain open.

Postal Services The United States Postal Service operates on its regular schedule.

Banks and Financial Institutions Banks and financial markets are open.

Schools: Public and private schools conduct classes as usual.

Businesses and Retail Stores All commercial establishments operate on their standard schedules.

Public and Political Reactions

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions. While some veterans organizations appreciate the recognition of military achievements, others express concern over the lack of tangible support for veterans beyond symbolic gestures. Critics also highlight that World War II concluded for the United States in August 1945 with Japan's surrender, suggesting that May 8 may not fully encapsulate the end of the war from the American perspective .

Additionally, Trump's proposal to rename Veterans Day on November 11 as Victory Day for World War I faced significant backlash. Veterans groups argued that such a change would marginalize the contributions of those who served in conflicts post World War I. The White House subsequently clarified that Veterans Day would retain its name, and any new commemorations would be added separately .

Historical Context

Victory in Europe Day is widely celebrated across Europe, with countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Poland observing it as a public holiday. In contrast, the United States has traditionally commemorated the end of World War II without a specific national holiday dedicated to V-E Day. Trump's proclamation seeks to align the U.S. more closely with international practices in honoring this significant historical event .

Conclusion

While May 8, 2025, is now recognized as Victory Day in the United States, it does not constitute a federal holiday, and daily operations across the country proceed as usual. The designation serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who served during World War II, aiming to foster a renewed sense of national pride and remembrance.