President Trump to Commemorate 9/11 Anniversary at Pentagon

President Trump announced he will not be in New York City next month for the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Instead, he will attend a ceremony at the Pentagon. When asked by a reporter why he chose the Pentagon over his hometown of New York, Trump replied, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.”

Vice President JD Vance will visit New York on September 11, as confirmed by a White House official. Administration officials will represent the government at all three significant locations affected by the attacks: Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania field where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed.

President Trump, originally from Queens, participated in the Ground Zero commemoration ceremony in 2024 alongside then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Last year, he did not attend the ceremony but was present at a New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers game, which paid tribute to the victims.

“As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001,” stated White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. “On the 25th anniversary of this tragic day, the president will remember the victims, honor their loved ones, and pay tribute to the brave first responders.”

The New York Times initially reported Trump’s absence from the Manhattan ceremony. During his first term, Trump often chose to honor the victims at the Pentagon or the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, rather than at the Manhattan ceremony. In 2021, he visited New York City police officers and firefighters in Manhattan.

Trump also attended the Manhattan ceremony in 2016 while campaigning against Hillary Clinton. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with former First Lady Laura Bush, will attend the Manhattan commemoration this year.

The report includes contributions from Sara Cook.