President Trump to Attend 25th Anniversary of 9/11 at Pentagon

Washington — President Trump has announced he will not be in New York City for the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Instead, he will commemorate the event at the Pentagon. Asked why he chose the Pentagon over his hometown New York, he simply stated, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.”

Vice President JD Vance will represent the administration in New York City on September 11. A White House official noted, “The vice president is still traveling to NYC and all three sites will be represented with administration officials in attendance.” These sites include Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed.

President Trump, originally from Queens, previously attended the annual Ground Zero ceremony in 2024 with then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. He did not attend the ceremony last year; instead, he attended a New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers game in New York City, which honored the 9/11 victims.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly remarked, “As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has often spoken about his experiences during September 11, 2001. On this 25th anniversary, he will honor the victims, their families, and the brave first responders.”

During President Trump’s first term, he did not attend the Manhattan ceremony. He chose to honor the victims at the Pentagon and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In 2021, he made a visit to New York City to meet with police officers and firefighters.

In previous years, such as 2016, President Trump attended the Manhattan ceremony while campaigning against Hillary Clinton. Next month, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will take part in the Manhattan ceremony, as confirmed by a Clinton spokesperson. Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush also plan to attend, according to the Bush Presidential Center.