Trump marked 9/11 at the Pentagon, while JD Vance joined former presidents in New York for the Ground Zero ceremony.

Published on: Sep 12, 2026, 00:16:00 IST

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President Donald Trump marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon on Friday instead of joining the Ground Zero ceremony in New York City. Vice President JD Vance attended the New York event with former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Trump’s decision drew attention because he is a New York native and had attended the ceremony before. The New York Times reported that his wish to speak at the memorial was one reason he chose the Pentagon. Trump rejected that explanation and said he was asked to speak in Washington instead.

Why Donald Trump chose Pentagon over New York 9/11 ceremony?

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According to The New York Times, Trump had wanted to deliver remarks at the Ground Zero ceremony, but the annual event does not allow politicians or public officials to give speeches. That reportedly played a part in his decision to attend the Pentagon, where he was scheduled to speak.

Trump disputed that account on Truth Social. He wrote, “I’m not going to the World Trade Center, in New York City, because they won’t let me make a speech, and I’m going to the Pentagon in D.C., because I’m a featured speaker. 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!’”

The White House had already confirmed that Trump would commemorate the anniversary at the Pentagon, while JD Vance would represent the administration in New York.

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