Trump Skips Ground Zero 9/11 Ceremony, Hosts White House Tribute

President Donald Trump will not attend the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at Ground Zero in New York City, reportedly because he would not be allowed to make a speech.

All four living former presidents, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, have confirmed their plans to attend the New York ceremony. Vice President JD Vance will represent the White House at the New York event. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum has barred politicians from making speeches at the annual Ground Zero commemoration since 2012 to maintain its nonpartisan stance.

Instead, President Trump will host 9/11 first responders and officials at the White House on September 8, where a 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center’s South Tower will be displayed on the White House Ellipse. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that President Trump will pay tribute to the American heroes lost, their family members, and acts of heroism.

Trump and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Chairman and CEO Frank Siller are expected to speak at the White House event. Trump issued a denial on August 28, claiming a New York Times reporter made up the story about his absence from Ground Zero.