United States President, Donald Trump, will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon instead of attending the main commemorative ceremony at Ground Zero in New York.
Two people familiar with the plans told CNN that Trump, a native of New York, will deliver remarks at the Pentagon, where another of the 9/11 attacks took place.
Trump had initially been expected to travel to New York and attend the memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center site. However, plans changed after he indicated that he wanted to make a speech.
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum, which oversees the Ground Zero site and organises the annual ceremony, has barred politicians from delivering speeches at the event since 2012 as part of its commitment to maintaining a nonpartisan commemoration.
Vice President JD Vance is expected to represent the administration at the World Trade Center ceremony, while Trump will travel to the Pentagon for the anniversary observance.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump would use his remarks to remember those killed in the attacks and honour their families and the first responders who risked their lives.
“As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001,” Kelly said, adding that the president in his remarks this year “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.”
Unlike the Ground Zero ceremony, the Pentagon observance allows the president to deliver remarks. Trump spoke at the Pentagon’s 9/11 commemoration last year, where he also remembered those who died in the attacks.
“In the quarter of a century since those acts of mass murder, 9/11 family members have felt the weight of missed birthdays and empty bedrooms, journals left unfinished and dreams left unfulfilled,” Trump said. “To every member that still feels a void every day of your lives, the first lady and I unite with you in sorrow. And today, as one nation, we renew our sacred vow that we will never forget September 11th, 2001.”
Trump attended 9/11 commemorations in New York in previous years, including in 2016 while campaigning for president and in 2024 during his second presidential campaign.
During his first presidency, he also attended commemorative events at the Pentagon and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
His decision to remain in Washington for this year’s anniversary could also make his subsequent trip to Ireland easier.
Trump is scheduled to travel to Doonbeg on September 12, where his golf course will host the Irish Open golf tournament.
