US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the Pentagon, and angrily denied reports that he had skipped the New York memorial because of a dispute over giving a speech. The anniversary falls on September 11, 2026.
The New York Times reported that Trump had originally intended to speak at the site of the Twin Towers but changed his plans after being told the memorial’s organizers do not permit speeches. The report prompted questions about why the president would not attend the New York ceremony.
Asked by reporters why he was not going to New York, Trump replied, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.” When pressed on whether he could attend both locations, he repeated the same answer.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks. Hijackers from the Islamist Al-Qaeda network flew two airliners into the Twin Towers in New York and a third into the Pentagon near Washington. A fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to retake the aircraft.
The White House told AFP that Vice President J.D. Vance was “still traveling” to New York and that “all three sites will be represented with administration officials in attendance.” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement: “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.” The Pentagon declined to comment.
Earlier, Trump posted a lengthy message on his Truth Social network rejecting The New York Times report and renewing a personal attack on Times journalist Maggie Haberman, calling her “Maggot Hagerman.” He wrote: “This is more Corrupt News, I’ve been to New York many times over the years, and no one ever speaks, it’s a ‘solemn ceremony!’” He added that he “never even thought of what Maggot made up,” and said he would prefer not to speak because the day “is a day to remember the victims, and their beautiful family members.”
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/donald-trump-to-mark-9-11-at-pentagon-not-new-york-11973114#publisher=newsstand
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Publish Date: 2026-08-29 03:32:00
