President Trump announced Friday that he will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the Pentagon rather than in New York City, his hometown and the site of the World Trade Center’s destruction.
When asked by reporters why he would not attend the Ground Zero ceremony, the President gave a straightforward response: “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.”
Vice President JD Vance will represent the administration in New York City on September 11, according to White House officials. Administration representatives will be present at all three sites where terrorists struck that day—the World Trade Center in Manhattan, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after passengers fought back against hijackers.
“The vice president is still traveling to NYC and all three sites will be represented with administration officials in attendance,” a White House official confirmed.
The Queens-born President last attended the annual Ground Zero commemoration in 2024 while campaigning for the presidency, appearing alongside then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. He did not attend the ceremony in 2023, though he did attend a New York Yankees game that evening which honored the victims of the attacks.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly emphasized the President’s connection to the events of that day. “As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001,” Kelly stated. “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.”
This decision follows a pattern established during President Trump’s first term, when he regularly chose to commemorate September 11 at the Pentagon or the Flight 93 National Memorial rather than at Ground Zero. In 2021, following his first presidency, he visited New York City police officers and firefighters in Manhattan on the anniversary.
The President did attend the Manhattan ceremony in other years, notably in 2016 while running against Hillary Clinton for the presidency.
Former Presidents and their spouses plan to attend various ceremonies. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be present at the Manhattan commemoration. Former President George W. Bush, who was in office during the attacks, and former first lady Laura Bush also plan to attend the New York ceremony.
The September 11 attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives and remain the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. The 25th anniversary represents a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing remembrance of that tragic day and its lasting impact on American life and policy.
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