President Trump to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11 at the Pentagon

The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks is approaching, and President Donald Trump has announced his plans to honor the occasion at the Pentagon. This decision marks a shift from previous appearances at Ground Zero in New York City.

President Trump, who witnessed the events in New York City in 2001, last attended the Ground Zero ceremony in 2024. He is scheduled to attend the observance at the Pentagon on September 11, 2026. Vice President JD Vance will represent the administration at the event in New York City, while other officials will participate in a ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The President’s choice to commemorate the attacks at the Pentagon comes amidst reports about previous plans. A report from The New York Times indicated that President Trump initially wanted to attend the New York City ceremony but opted for the Pentagon when organizers did not allow him to speak during the Ground Zero program. The program traditionally excludes speeches.

The White House has refuted these claims. White House communications director Steven Cheung labeled the report as “FAKE NEWS,” while a senior administration official dismissed it as “false.” However, no further explanation was provided.

Anna Kelly, White House spokeswoman, highlighted President Trump’s connection to the events of September 11. She stated, “As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001.” On the 25th anniversary, he aims to remember the lives lost, honor their loved ones, and pay tribute to the first responders.

President Trump attended the Pentagon ceremony on September 11 last year, later participating in a New York Yankees event that paid homage to the victims. In the past, his presence at Ground Zero included the 2024 event alongside figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris and then-President Joe Biden. His last appearance at Ground Zero before 2024 was in 2016, with visits to city fire stations and police precincts in later years.

During his first term, Trump commemorated the anniversaries at the Pentagon in 2017 and 2019. He previously visited Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in 2018 and 2020, highlighting a continuous effort to honor those affected by the tragic events.