President Trump to Attend 9/11 Pentagon Ceremony Instead of Ground Zero

President Trump has decided to skip the September 11 ceremony at Ground Zero, which marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Reports indicate he opted out because he was not allowed to deliver a speech at the event. Instead, Trump is expected to attend the Pentagon ceremony, where he will make remarks. Vice President JD Vance will stand in for Trump at the New York event.

The decision drew attention after leaders of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum declined Trump’s request to speak, as reported by the New York Times. The memorial adheres strictly to maintaining a nonpartisan and apolitical stance during these annual commemorations, they have restricted political speeches for over a decade. The ceremony at Ground Zero will see flowers placed on names of victims at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Flowers are placed on victims’ names at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Joining Vance at the Ground Zero ceremony will be Mayor Mamdani, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and ex-presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Trump’s speech at the Pentagon follows his participation at a Republican midterm convention in Dallas scheduled for September 9 and 10, where the address might have a political tone.

Vice President JD Vance. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

After the Pentagon event, Trump plans to travel to the Irish Open golf tournament at his golf resort in Ireland. His schedule contrasts with 2024 when Trump, Vice President JD Vance, then-President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris attended the Ground Zero memorial during the presidential campaign. While none gave speeches, Trump’s visit included engaging with FDNY firefighters.