Former US presidents and first ladies gathered in New York on September 11, 2026, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks that struck the World Trade Center. All four living former presidents, including Joe Biden and George W. Bush, attended the memorial held at the site where two of the four hijacked airplanes crashed in 2001.

The event drew a broad array of political figures, including former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and current Vice President JD Vance, who were also present to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks. The memorial aimed to reflect a sense of unity and remembrance on a milestone anniversary that has deeply affected the United States and the world.

President Donald Trump did not attend the New York ceremony. Instead, he participated in a separate memorial event at the Pentagon, where one of the hijacked flights crashed. His decision to attend a different commemoration led to commentary on the day’s events but was consistent with his previous approaches to public remembrances of 9/11.

The gatherings took place amid ongoing discussions in the United States about national security, unity, and the legacy of 9/11. The former leaders’ presence in New York symbolized a moment of bipartisan reflection, despite the complex political climate. The events underscored the enduring impact of the attacks on the United States and highlighted the continued efforts to honor those who lost their lives.