Washington — President Trump announced he will mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks by attending a ceremony at the Pentagon instead of in New York City. He confirmed on Friday that he would not commemorate the event in New York, stating, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.”
The White House has indicated that Vice President JD Vance will be in New York on September 11. A spokesperson said, “The vice president is still traveling to NYC and all three sites will be represented with administration officials.” The attack sites referred to are in Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed.
President Trump, who hails from Queens, last participated in the Ground Zero commemoration ceremony in 2024 during his presidential campaign. He did not attend last year, although he was present at a New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers game that honored the victims.
“As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has expressed his personal experiences witnessing the events of September 11, 2001,” stated White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. “On this significant anniversary, he will honor the victims, their families, and the valiant first responders.”
The president has a history of honoring the 9/11 victims at different locations, such as the Pentagon or the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In 2021, he visited New York City police officers and firefighters in Manhattan.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are expected to attend the commemoration in Manhattan next month, as confirmed by a Clinton spokesperson. Additionally, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush plan to be present, according to the Bush Presidential Center.