President Donald Trump announced on August 28 that he will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the Pentagon instead of New York City, denying allegations that he was avoiding the New York memorial due to a speech controversy [1, 2]. Trump told reporters when asked why he would not attend in New York, "Because I’m going to the Pentagon," repeating that answer when questioned about why he could not attend both locations [1, 3, 4, 5, 2].
The New York Times previously reported that Trump had planned to speak at the World Trade Center site in New York but changed his plans after organizers refused to allow speeches at the event [1, 3, 4, 5, 2]. Trump dismissed the report on his social media platform Truth Social, calling it "more Corrupt News" and criticizing journalist Maggie Haberman with a derogatory nickname. He added he had "never even thought of what Maggot made up" and said the day is meant to "remember the victims, and their beautiful family members" without speeches [5].
The 9/11 attacks, carried out by Al-Qaeda hijackers, claimed nearly 3,000 lives after crashing planes into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania [1, 3, 4, 5, 2]. The White House confirmed Vice President JD Vance will attend the New York memorial, and officials will represent all three attack sites [1, 3, 4, 5, 2].
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said, "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" [5]. The Pentagon declined to comment on the event [1, 3, 4, 5, 2].
Reports quoting Trump’s statement, White House comments, and Trump’s social media posts disputing the New York Times reporting were published on August 29 [3, 4, 5].
