President Trump announced he will not participate in New York City’s 25th-anniversary observance of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Instead, he plans to attend a ceremony at the Pentagon.
In response to a question on why he wouldn’t attend the New York event, President Trump stated, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.” Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance will represent the administration in New York City on September 11. A White House official mentioned that representatives will be present at all three attack sites – Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania field where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed.
President Trump, who originally hails from Queens, last visited Ground Zero for the annual ceremony in 2024 alongside then-President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during his presidential campaign. In the previous year, while he didn’t attend the ceremony, he was present at a New York Yankees game that included a memorial for the victims.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated, “As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has frequently spoken about his experiences during the horrific events of September 11, 2001. On this 25th anniversary, he will remember those killed by terrorists, honor their families, and commend the courageous first responders who risked their lives.” The president’s absence from the ceremony in Manhattan was initially reported by The New York Times.
During his first presidential term, President Trump chose to honor 9/11 victims at alternate locations such as the Pentagon or the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In 2021, he made a special trip to New York to meet with police officers and firefighters.
Over the years, President Trump has attended the Manhattan ceremony on various occasions, including during his 2016 election campaign against Hillary Clinton. Next month, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are confirmed to attend the Manhattan commemoration, as noted by a Clinton spokesperson. Additionally, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush also intend to be present, per the Bush Presidential Center.
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