US Government Shutdown Nears End... Trump Says "Big Win Against Democrats"

Veterans Day Speech
"We Will Now Call It 'World War I Victory Day'"

President Donald Trump of the United States stated that he had won in the standoff with the Democratic Party regarding the longest-ever federal government shutdown (temporary suspension of government work).

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

On November 11 (local time), which is Veterans Day, President Trump attended a commemorative event at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., where he congratulated Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House leading the Republican members, and John Thune, Senate Republican Leader, saying, "Congratulations to both you and John Thune on a very big victory." He added, "We are now reopening the country," and remarked, "It should never have been closed in the first place."

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a plenary session on November 12 to attempt a vote, and there is a possibility that the shutdown could officially end as early as that day. The shutdown, which has halted some federal government functions, began on October 1 and surpassed the previous record of 35 days on November 5. As of November 11, it has continued for 42 days.

Additionally, in his speech, President Trump said, "American warriors never give up and never surrender. They fight and they win." He continued, "Today is not just Veterans Day," and declared, "We will now call it World War I Victory Day." While the United States commemorates November 11, the end of World War I, as Veterans Day, President Trump has argued that it should be called World War I Victory Day to emphasize the victory of the United States and the Allied powers. Previously, President Trump announced that May 8, when Germany surrendered in World War II, would be commemorated as World War II Victory Day, and he also instructed the administration to refer to the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

President Trump stated, "Under the Trump administration, we are restoring the pride and winning spirit of the U.S. military," and declared, "We will no longer be politically correct." This indicates that the military will move away from 'political correctness (PC),' a concept especially valued by progressive groups, which refers to prohibiting language and policies containing prejudice or discrimination related to race, ethnicity, language, religion, or gender.

President Trump further emphasized, "From now on, we will fight wars for only one reason-to win. We fight to win."

Separately from the event, President Trump issued a World War I Victory Day message and, prior to the ceremony, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.