On Friday, President Donald Trump commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon, opting not to attend the ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City. Vice President JD Vance represented the administration at the New York event, which also featured former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
Because he is a New York native and had attended the ceremony before, trump’s decision drew attention. The New York Times reported that his wish to speak at the memorial was one reason he chose the Pentagon. The White House had already confirmed that Trump would commemorate the anniversary at the Pentagon, while JD Vance would represent the administration in New York.
Trump rejected that explanation and said he was asked to speak in Washington instead. Trump had wanted to deliver remarks at the Ground Zero ceremony, but the annual event does not allow politicians or public officials to give speeches, according to The New York Times . That reportedly played a part in his decision to attend the Pentagon, where he was scheduled to speak.
