Donald Trump is reportedly sitting out New York City’s 25th-anniversary commemoration of the September 11 attacks — specifically because he is allegedly being denied the opportunity to speak at the Ground Zero ceremony, according to a new report.
Seriously.
According to the New York Times, organizers at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum turned down the president’s request to give remarks… and so, Trump apparently just isn’t gonna go. (FYI, politicians have reportedly been barred from speaking at the ceremony since 2012, according to the Times and an AP report from that year.)
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The White House did not address the reported speech request when People sought comment about the Times report on Friday. Instead, spokesperson Anna Kelly pointed to Trump’s connection to New York and his plans to commemorate the victims elsewhere, saying:
“As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001. On the 25th anniversary of this tragic day, the President will remember those who were killed at the hands of evil terrorists, honor their loved ones, and pay tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow Americans.”
So, rather than joining the ceremony at the site of the Twin Towers, Trump is expected to attend the annual commemoration at the Pentagon — just as he did last year.
And yet the Trump-free guest list in New York is certainly notable. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama are expected to attend, along with Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, per the Times. Vice President JD Vance is also expected to be there.
Trump’s schedule surrounding the anniversary is also raising eyebrows. He is expected in Texas beforehand for a Republican convention ahead of the midterms, followed by a trip to Ireland on September 12 to attend the Irish Open at one of his golf courses. Huh.
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BTW, last year, Trump delivered his September 11 remarks at the Pentagon before attending a New York Yankees game that evening.
Whatever the reason for his absence from Ground Zero, the 25th anniversary remains a solemn occasion to remember the thousands of people killed, and honor the first responders and ordinary Americans who risked their lives that day so many years ago.
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
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