President Trump to Commemorate 9/11 Anniversary at Pentagon

President Donald Trump will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the Pentagon instead of Ground Zero in New York City. Despite being a native New Yorker, Trump explained he chose the Pentagon as his venue. Vice President JD Vance is set to attend the New York City ceremony, as confirmed by a senior administration official.

Other officials are slated to observe the anniversary in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The decision for Trump to attend the Pentagon event was influenced by restrictions at Ground Zero, where speeches are traditionally not allowed. The New York Times reported Trump’s decision change, but the White House disputed this claim. White House communications director Steven Cheung labeled the report as “FAKE NEWS” via social media.

Anna Kelly, White House spokeswoman, emphasized Trump’s commitment to honoring victims and first responders. She highlighted his experience witnessing the events on September 11, 2001 firsthand. Trump attended the Pentagon commemorations in prior years and opted for a New York Yankees game last year to honor the victims.

Previously, Trump joined the Ground Zero ceremony in 2024 alongside then-President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. He also visited New York City fire and police stations in 2021, participated in Pentagon ceremonies in 2017 and 2019, and attended memorials in Shanksville in 2018 and 2020.