The White House has pushed back on reports that Donald Trump withdrew from this year's official 9/11 memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center after being told he wouldn't be permitted to speak at the event.
What was reported
This year's ceremony marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. According to initial reports, city officials had expected Trump to attend the World Trade Center event, but the administration reportedly withdrew after organisers confirmed political figures aren't permitted to give public addresses at the ceremony, a rule the National September 11 Memorial and Museum has enforced since 2012, following earlier disputes over political discourse tied to the site's redevelopment. Trump is instead expected to attend a separate memorial event at the Pentagon, where he will deliver a speech.
The White House's response
Without directly addressing the speaking-rules claim, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly issued a statement describing Trump as a proud New Yorker who has spoken previously about his own experience of the September 11 attacks. She said that on the 25th anniversary, the president will remember those killed, honour their families, and pay tribute to first responders who risked their lives that day.
Trump's own response
Trump addressed the reporting directly on Truth Social, denying that his decision not to attend the New York ceremony had anything to do with being refused a chance to speak. He criticised the New York Times reporter behind the story in personal terms, calling her a "SCAMMER" and disputing her understanding of him, and argued that no one speaks at the World Trade Center ceremony regardless, describing it as a solemn occasion rather than a platform for remarks.
He added that he'd attended the New York ceremony many times over the years, and said he'd actually prefer not to speak at all, given how frequently he already does, framing the day as one meant for remembering victims and their families rather than political appearances. He also noted he is a featured speaker at the Pentagon ceremony instead.
Trump last attended the Ground Zero memorial in 2024, during his second-term campaign, and has not appeared at the ceremony during his time in office.
