Trump commemorates 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks at Pentagon ceremony
President Donald Trump marked Friday's 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks by attending a ceremony at the Pentagon rather than Ground Zero in New York. Nearly 3,000 people died when al-Qaeda hijackers flew planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania in 2001. Trump honored the 184 victims killed at the Pentagon while the names of each were read aloud. Vice President JD Vance attended the New York ceremony at Ground Zero alongside all four living former presidents. Trump's remarks focused on American resilience and unity, though he also drew comparisons to the current war with Iran. This marks the second consecutive year Trump chose the Pentagon ceremony, where he can deliver prepared remarks, rather than the Ground Zero event, where the memorial has barred elected officials from speaking since 2012.
Key facts
- Nearly 3,000 people died in the September 11, 2001 attacks across three locations
- 184 people were killed when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon
- 2,573 died in the World Trade Center attacks and 33 passengers fought back on Flight 93
- Trump delivered prepared remarks at the Pentagon ceremony for the second consecutive year
- Ground Zero has prohibited elected officials from speaking since 2012
- Vice President JD Vance attended the Ground Zero ceremony where all four living former presidents were present
- The CIA released 71 declassified documents related to 9/11 on the anniversary
- A seventh moment of silence was added this year to honor those who died from 9/11-related illnesses
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets criticized Trump's decision to skip Ground Zero, characterizing it as selfish and politically motivated. They highlighted that while Ground Zero had a no-politics policy, Trump chose the Pentagon specifically to deliver a speech, appearing to prioritize his own visibility over honoring the dead. Critics also noted he plans to fly to his golf course in Ireland the next day.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning sources framed Trump's remarks positively, highlighting his emotional tribute to victims and first responders. They emphasized his call for national unity and his statements about American strength and resolve. Fox News focused on Trump's specific words of comfort and his administration's coordination of attendance at all three memorial sites.
Limits of this briefing
While this story captures mainstream coverage from multiple outlets, some left-wing critics expressed harsher interpretations of Trump's motives than quoted sources reflect. Online accusations that Trump fell asleep during the ceremony remained contested and unverified by mainstream media.
Sources
- ABC News: Trump commemorates the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon Centre
- Fox News: Trump confirms Pentagon plans for 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks, disputes report on Ground Zero absence Right
- Washington Post: At Pentagon, Trump edges toward embracing post-9/11 policies he attacked Centre
- CNN: America marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 Centre
- The New Republic: Trump Plans to Ditch 9/11 Ceremony for the Most Selfish Reason Left