Trump’s Reflections and Comments on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

A quarter-century has passed since the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the United States prepares to honor the nearly 3,000 victims. President Donald Trump, known for his public remarks on the tragedy, has drawn attention regarding his comments, tributes, and claims about his involvement at Ground Zero.

On September 11, 2025, at a Pentagon ceremony, Trump described the attacks as an encounter with “pure evil” and promised remembrance for the victims. “On that fateful day, savage monsters attacked the very symbols of our civilization,” he said. He praised the courage of Americans in Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania. He declared, “We will never yield, we will never bend, and our great American flag will never fail.” Trump issued a stern warning to attackers, vowing to hunt them down without mercy.

As the 25th anniversary approached in 2026, Trump countered reports suggesting his choice to attend the Pentagon event over Ground Zero was due to speaking restrictions. “I would love not to speak, because I’m speaking all the time, and this is a day to remember the victims,” he wrote on Truth Social.

On the anniversary, Trump participated in a Steel Across America event near the White House, asserting, “On 9/11, nearly 3,000 precious souls were stolen from us.” He cited a vow made 25 years ago, emphasizing remembrance. In his remarks, Trump claimed to have led workers to Lower Manhattan shortly after the attacks, describing an incident involving firefighters at One Liberty Plaza.

“They grab me under the arms. They lifted me up and started running. I said, ‘Fellas, I can run myself.’ But they were amazing,” he recounted.

Trump addressed scrutiny of his narrative, clarifying on Truth Social that he was not at the World Trade Center on 9/11, but visited soon after. He affirmed his statements as accurate.

During the attacks, Trump was in New York City, witnessing events from his Fifth Avenue home. In interviews, he described his view of the tragedy, recounting the second plane’s impact and people jumping from buildings.

Trump’s first comments on 9/11 were during a live TV interview on the day of the attacks. Proposing a tough response to the perpetrators, Trump emphasized intolerance for terrorism. He also remarked on the status of 40 Wall Street as Manhattan’s tallest building post-attack, attributing this to his brand-focused mindset.

Two days after 9/11, Trump visited Ground Zero, impeccably dressed, describing the devastation and resilience of New Yorkers. He claimed to have hired workers for rescue efforts, though investigations found no evidence supporting this.

Trump frequently referenced 9/11 during his presidential campaign, citing his presence and assistance at Ground Zero. He criticized Senator Ted Cruz’s comments on “New York values” and challenged former President George W. Bush’s actions during the attacks.

Controversially, Trump alleged seeing “thousands” of Muslims celebrating the attacks, a claim met with widespread skepticism. He also stirred debate with a now-deleted 2013 tweet offering best wishes on the anniversary.