The White House has responded after reports claimed President Donald Trump would skip New York City’s official September 11 memorial ceremony because organizers would not allow political figures to deliver speeches. The 25th anniversary commemoration will be held at the World Trade Center site, where Trump has previously attended without giving an address. According to reports, Trump is instead expected to attend a memorial event at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, where he is scheduled to speak. Vice President JD Vance is expected to attend the Ground Zero ceremony alongside former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly did not directly address the reported disagreement over speaking rules, but said Trump would use the anniversary to remember those who lost their lives, honor their families, and recognize the first responders who risked everything during the attacks. The memorial site has maintained restrictions on political speeches for years, emphasizing the solemn and commemorative nature of the event.

Trump later pushed back strongly against the report on Truth Social, arguing that he had no desire to turn the anniversary ceremony into a political appearance. He pointed out that when he attended the Ground Zero ceremony in 2024, he did not speak, nor did other figures standing beside him. Trump said the day should be focused on the victims and their families rather than speeches. Meanwhile, attention around the White House has also shifted toward other political developments, including Karoline Leavitt’s departure as press secretary. Leavitt has confirmed that she will return to Trump’s political orbit through MAGA Inc. after leaving her White House position to spend more time with her young children. As the administration prepares for the busy months ahead, Trump’s 9/11 plans are likely to remain closely watched, particularly as the country approaches a major anniversary of one of the defining events in modern American history.