President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that he will travel to the Pentagon on September 11 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. The announcement came after a New York Times report suggested the president would not be present at the Ground Zero ceremony in New York City because he would not be permitted to speak.
Why the Pentagon?
When asked why he was not planning to be at the World Trade Center site, Trump responded, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon,” shouting the answer from Joint Base Andrews. The Pentagon ceremony has become a regular part of the president’s 9/11 observances, with Trump marking the event there in 2017, 2018, 2019, and most recently for the 24th anniversary.
Administration Presence at All Three Sites
White House officials clarified that the administration will be represented at all three attack locations: the Pentagon, the World Trade Center site in Manhattan, and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania field where United Airlines Flight 93 went down. A White House spokesperson said Vice President Kamala Harris is traveling to New York, and other senior officials will attend the Ground Zero ceremony.
“President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001. On the 25th anniversary, he will remember those who were killed, honor their loved ones, and pay tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line,” White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement to Fox News.
Response to Media Reports
After the Times story and subsequent social‑media claims that Trump was “snubbing” the Ground Zero ceremony, White House communications director Steven Cheung labeled the coverage “FAKE NEWS” on X. Trump himself took to Truth Social, calling the report a fabrication and asserting that he has visited New York many times for the solemn ceremony.
“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,” Trump wrote, emphasizing his focus on honoring the fallen rather than delivering a political speech.
Historical Context
The 9/11 attacks, carried out by al‑Qaeda hijackers, remain the deadliest terrorist act in U.S. history. The attacks prompted the invasion of Afghanistan and later the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, shaping U.S. foreign policy for the past two decades. Trump attended the Ground Zero ceremony in 2024 as the Republican presidential nominee, standing alongside then‑President Joe Biden and then‑Vice President Kamala Harris. He did not attend the ceremony during his first term, opting instead for the Pentagon venue.
As the nation prepares to mark this solemn milestone, the Trump administration’s decision to honor the victims at the Pentagon while ensuring representation at all three sites reflects a commitment to remembering the sacrifice of first responders, military personnel, and ordinary citizens who perished on that tragic day.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
