President Donald Trump, who was in New York City during the September 11 attacks in 2001, will commemorate the 25th anniversary at the Pentagon. This change comes instead of attending the Ground Zero ceremony in New York City. Vice President JD Vance will be at the New York event, while other officials plan to attend a ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Reporters inquired about Trump’s decision not to observe the anniversary in New York. Trump stated, “Because I’m going to the Pentagon.”

Reports initially suggested Trump’s desire to be in New York but cited organizers’ refusal to allow speeches, leading him to choose the Pentagon. The White House dismissed these claims as “FAKE NEWS.” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly emphasized Trump’s memory of the day and his intent to honor victims and first responders.

In previous years, Trump observed 9/11 at both the Pentagon and Ground Zero. His last visit to the New York ceremony was in 2024, alongside notable figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris and then-President Joe Biden. In his first term, he attended the Pentagon anniversaries in 2017 and 2019, and the Shanksville ceremonies in 2018 and 2020.