Politics

Trump to observe 25th 9/11 anniversary at Pentagon, disputes report on Ground Zero plans

President Donald Trump confirmed he will speak at the Defense Department, while Vice President JD Vance attends the ceremony in New York City.

Updated Aug 29, 2026 · 00:23 UTC6 reports

The short version

President Donald Trump announced he will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks at the Pentagon.
Vice President JD Vance will attend the ceremony in New York City, and administration officials will go to the Shanksville, Pennsylvania memorial.
Trump strongly rejected a New York Times report claiming he bypassed the Ground Zero event because organizers denied his request to speak.

President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the 25th anniversary Sept. 11 commemoration at the Pentagon rather than in New York City.[The Hill · Associated Press]
Vice President JD Vance will represent the White House at the New York observance, and other administration officials will attend the service in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.[CBS News · Associated Press]
The New York Times reported that Trump's team expressed interest in having him speak at Ground Zero but organizers denied the request, citing a policy in place since 2012 banning political speeches at the site.[The Hill · The Hill]
Trump denied seeking a speaking slot at Ground Zero, writing on Truth Social that he understood the event is a solemn ceremony without speeches and criticizing the report.[The Hill]
Former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush, and former first lady Laura Bush are scheduled to attend the ceremony in Manhattan.[CBS News]

Whether Trump or his staff requested a speaking role at Ground Zero prior to selecting the Pentagon for his appearance.[The Hill]