This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks — but President Donald Trump will not be in New York City for the official memorial ceremony at Ground Zero. And the reason behind his absence has sparked a fierce debate.
According to reports, Trump pulled out of the World Trade Center memorial after organizers informed him that political figures are not permitted to speak at the event — a rule first put in place by the National September 11 Memorial and Museum back in 2012. The policy was introduced after political discourse surrounding the reconstruction of the site became divisive.
The Trump administration reportedly withdrew plans for the president to appear at the New York ceremony once it became clear he wouldn’t be able to deliver a public address. Instead, Trump will attend a memorial event at the Pentagon in Virginia — where another hijacked plane crashed on 9/11 — and is expected to deliver a speech there.
The White House Response
Following speculation that the president’s decision was driven solely by being denied a speaking slot, the White House pushed back with a statement.
“As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001,” White House deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said. “On the 25th anniversary of this tragic day, the President will remember those who were killed at the hands of evil terrorists, honor their loved ones, and pay tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow Americans.”
Trump Fires Back
The president himself didn’t hold back. In a post on Truth Social, he lashed out at what he called “corrupt news” and dismissed the claims as fabricated.
“The Fake Reporter from The Failing New York Times, an unattractive person both inside and out, and who knows less about me than most reporters on the beat (She’s a SCAMMER!),” Trump wrote.
He added: “She made up a story that on September 11th, I’m not going to the World Trade Center, in New York City, because they won’t let me make a speech, and I’m going to the Pentagon in D.C., because I’m a featured speaker.”
Trump insisted that his decision had nothing to do with being denied a speaking opportunity. “This is more Corrupt News, I’ve been to New York many times over the years, and no one ever speaks, it’s a ‘solemn ceremony!'” he wrote.
He concluded: “I would love not to speak, because I’m speaking all the time, and this is a day to remember the victims, and their beautiful family members.”
The Bottom Line
Whether Trump was denied a speaking slot, or simply chose to honor the victims in a different way, one thing is clear: the 25th anniversary of 9/11 has once again become entangled in political controversy.
