Trump to Attend Pentagon Ceremony for 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

<p>President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that he will attend a ceremony at the Pentagon to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.</p><p>When asked why he would not be in New York for the anniversary, Trump responded, "Because I'm going to the Pentagon," during a press interaction at Joint Base Andrews.</p><p>A report from The New York Times on Thursday indicated that Trump would not attend the Ground Zero ceremony due to restrictions on political speeches at the event, which has prohibited politicians from speaking since 2012.</p><p>A White House spokeswoman referred to Trump as a "proud New Yorker" and stated, "President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001. 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," according to principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly.</p><p>Additionally, a White House official noted that the vice president will travel to New York City, and that all three attack sites will have administration officials in attendance.</p><p>In response to claims that Trump was "snubbing" the Ground Zero ceremony, White House communications director Steven Cheung labeled the reports as "FAKE NEWS."</p><p>Trump criticized the Times article on Truth Social, stating that the reporter fabricated a story about his attendance at Ground Zero and reiterated his intention to speak at the Pentagon.</p><p>He expressed that he would prefer not to speak at the Ground Zero ceremony, emphasizing that it is a day to remember the victims and their families.</p><p>Last year, Trump also chose to speak at the Pentagon for the 24th anniversary of 9/11, later attending a Yankees game in New York City.</p><p>The last time Trump attended the Ground Zero ceremony was in 2024, when he was the Republican presidential nominee, alongside then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris.</p><p>During his first term, Trump did not attend the Ground Zero ceremony, alternating between commemorations at the Pentagon and the site in Pennsylvania in subsequent years.</p><p>Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks when al-Qaeda hijackers crashed three commercial airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The hijackers also seized United Airlines Flight 93, but passengers fought back before the plane crashed in Pennsylvania.</p><p>The 9/11 attacks, which remain the deadliest in U.S. history, led to the invasion of Afghanistan and contributed to the broader War on Terror, which later included the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.</p>