President Donald Trump announced he will observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon rather than attending the annual memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center in New York City. Trump confirmed his plans during a briefing with reporters on August 28 but declined to elaborate on his decision, stating only that he would be at the Pentagon.

Reports have suggested that one factor behind Trump’s absence at the Ground Zero event is the longstanding policy that has barred politicians from giving speeches at the ceremony since 2012, aiming to keep the event focused on honoring the victims in a nonpartisan manner. Trump denied that this policy influenced his choice, describing those claims as false and asserting in a social media post that the ceremony has always been a solemn occasion without political remarks. He indicated he intends to include such reports in a defamation lawsuit against the news outlet that published them.

Vice President JD Vance is expected to attend the New York ceremony, according to White House officials.

In addition to the policy issue, logistical considerations reportedly played a role in Trump’s itinerary. Staying in Washington allows for easier travel to Doonbeg, Ireland, where Trump is scheduled to participate in the Irish Open golf tournament shortly after the anniversary. He is also slated to speak at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas on the evening of September 10.

Trump, a New York native, attended the Pentagon remembrance event in Arlington, Virginia, last year to pay tribute to 9/11 victims. He was present at the World Trade Center memorial in 2024, alongside President Joe Biden several months prior to last year’s presidential election.

This year’s 9/11 ceremony in New York is expected to feature former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani are also anticipated to participate, underscoring the event’s broad national significance.

The attacks on September 11, 2001, resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities, with 2,753 people killed at the World Trade Center site, 184 at the Pentagon, and 140 aboard the hijacked plane that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The memorial ceremonies held annually serve as a somber remembrance of those lives lost.