President Trump will deliver a speech at the Pentagon for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. He will not be visiting Ground Zero. When questioned by a reporter, he explained his decision by stating, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.”
A White House representative shared with NewsNation that Vice President Vance will travel to New York City. Administration officials will be present at all three sites to represent the government.
Although the President showed interest in speaking at Ground Zero in Manhattan, a report from The New York Times indicated his decision was also influenced by a planned visit to his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, the following day. Politicians have not been allowed to speak at the Ground Zero site since 2012.
“As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has shared his own experiences of witnessing the tragic events of September 11, 2001,” stated White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. “On this significant anniversary, the President will honor those killed by terrorists, pay tribute to their families, and acknowledge the bravery of first responders.”
This will be the second consecutive year that President Trump will observe the anniversary at the Defense Department. In 2024, both Trump and Vice President Vance attended the Ground Zero ceremony alongside then-President Biden and Vice President Harris.
Newsletter Highlights
Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter, provided by Filip Timotija. Here you’ll find the latest updates related to the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and beyond.
Essential Reads
- The Trump administration is appealing to the Supreme Court to allow a ban on transgender troops in the military. The appeal is challenging a block on this ban and aims to reverse a previous court decision.
- Three staff members of Stars and Stripes sued the Pentagon, aiming to prevent the dismissals that occurred at the military newspaper.
- OpenAI and other tech companies are urging joint action against AI-enabled cyber attacks, suggesting the government enhance cyber defense measures.
- The U.S. has cleared Iranian sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, marking significant progress. Adm. Brad Cooper shared this update via a social media post.
On Our Radar
Upcoming briefings and concerns:
- The U.S. Cyber Command will brief the House Armed Services Committee regarding the high number of suicide-related deaths within the command.
Additional Reads from The Hill
- ICE has awarded a $16.7 million contract for gloves delivering electric shocks, intended for controlling detainees and protesters.
Trending Topics
- A federal judge denied President Trump’s attempt to contest his criminal conviction outside of New York’s courts.
- President Trump shared updates on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, quoting a positive forecast from an Interior Department official.
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