Trump Swears In David Perdue as Ambassador to China, Declares WWII Victory Day: 'We Won That War' (May 7, 2025)

President Donald Trump swore in former Sen. David Perdue as ambassador to China and gave him a friendly assignment. “And say hello to President Xi when you’re over there, please. Okay?” Trump said in the Oval Office on May 7, 2025, according to the transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

“I want the world to know that I know this man personally. He loves this country, and I am glad to be your man in China,” Perdue said [1].

The video above shows Trump swearing in Perdue as ambassador to China on May 7, 2025. Quotes are from the American Presidency Project [1][2][3][4].

”We Won That War”

Trump opened with an announcement. “Before we begin, I’m pleased to announce that I have just signed a proclamation officially designating tomorrow, May 8, as Victory Day for World War II, commemorating the 80th anniversary of America’s victory in the Second World War,” he said [1].

“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, lot of great allies,” Trump said [1].

“And we did something else that people don’t talk about: We rebuilt the world,” he said, crediting Perdue for the point [1].

“And I think it’s time that the United States starts taking credit for their achievements,” Trump said [1].

The proclamation makes the same point. “Without the sacrifice of our American soldiers, this war would not have been won, and our world today would look drastically different,” it says [2].

“As I stated during my Inaugural Address, we will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars we end—and my proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker,” the proclamation says [2].

”The Highest Levels of Business and Politics”

With U.S.-China trade talks coming up in Switzerland, Trump joked about the timing. “What timing, David. What timing. Only you could have picked this timing,” he said. “It’s your fault,” Perdue replied, to laughter [1].

Trump welcomed Perdue’s wife, Bonnie, their two sons, their daughters-in-law and three grandsons. “That’s a beautiful family,” he said [1].

Trump laid out Perdue’s résumé. “Over four decades in business, he rose to lead several major American corporations, including as the president and CEO of the footwear giant Reebok, where he did very well—he did a great job—and later CEO of Dollar General,” he said [1].

“David also lived and worked in Singapore and Hong Kong for several years, developing a wealth of experience negotiating and doing tremendous business deals,” Trump said [1].

“Now I’m entrusting David to help manage one of America’s most complex and consequential foreign relationships, and I know he’ll do a fantastic job,” he said [1].

He said Perdue will “help stop the flood of Chinese fentanyl across our borders, which we have to do.” [1]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio administered the oath [1].

Afterward, Trump posed with Perdue and Bonnie holding the Victory Day proclamation [1]. “We’re right behind you, David,” Trump said. “I’m looking forward to seeing you over there, sir,” Perdue replied [1].

”Study Their Files”

Asked about China’s claim that the U.S. asked for trade talks, Trump said: “Well, I think they ought to go back and study their files. Okay? I do think that.” [1]

“We were losing with China, on trade, a trillion dollars a year—more, actually, 1.1, but let’s say a trillion. You know what we’re losing now? Nothing,” Trump said [1].

On fentanyl, he said: “Well, they have to stop fentanyl from coming in. That will be a very big part.” [1]

“And I had that understanding with President Xi before I left last time, and we had a deal,” Trump said [1].

”Decisions Are Going to Have to Be Made”

Asked about Vice President JD Vance saying Russia was asking too much to end the war in Ukraine, Trump said: “Well, it’s possible that’s right.” [1]

“But we are getting to a point where some decisions are going to have to be made. I’m not happy about it,” he said [1].

Asked whether Iran could keep enriching uranium short of weapons grade, Trump said: “We haven’t made that decision yet.” [1]

Asked whether he would start calling the Persian Gulf the “Arabian Gulf,” Trump said: “I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.” [1]

“But the Gulf of America was something I thought should have been named a long time ago,” he said [1].

”I Get Along With Both”

Asked about the fighting between India and Pakistan, Trump said: “Oh, it’s so terrible. My position is, I get along with both. I know both very well, and I want to see them work it out.” [1]

“And if I can do anything to help, I will be there,” he said [1].

He gave an update on another conflict. “Rwanda and the Congo: We’ve made a lot of progress in getting that disaster stopped,” Trump said [1].

On Yemen’s Houthis, Trump said: “They gave us their word that they wouldn’t be shooting ships anymore, and we honor that.” He added: “You know, just leave those ships alone.” [1]

By the Numbers

80th: anniversary of America’s victory in World War II, per Trump [1].
2014: the year Perdue was elected to the Senate from Georgia, per Trump [1].
May 8: the day Trump proclaimed Victory Day for World War II [2].
2: Victory Days Trump plans to mark, for World War I and World War II [1].

What Happened Next

Trump and Xi met in South Korea. After meeting Xi in Busan on Oct. 30, 2025, Trump wrote: “I had a truly great meeting with President Xi of China. There is enormous respect between our two countries, and that will only be enhanced with what just took place.” [3]

“I was extremely honored by the fact that President Xi authorized China to begin the purchase of massive amounts of soybeans, sorghum, and other farm products. Our farmers will be very happy,” Trump said [3].

“Very significantly, China has strongly stated that they will work diligently with us to stop the flow of fentanyl into our country,” he said [3].

The second Victory Day came in November. On Nov. 11, 2025, Trump issued a message on Victory Day for World War I. “Without the heroic bravery of our American soldiers, the war would not have been won, and our world today would look drastically different,” the message said [4].

For Trump telling troops about Victory Day a week later, see HYGO News’ page on May 15, 2025. For Trump on setting the deal with China, see the page on April 22, 2025.