The White House has addressed claims President Donald Trump pulled out of the official 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York City because he was refused the opportunity to speak.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 atrocities, but Trump will not be in New York for the event after reportedly backing out of attending as he was denied the chance to make a public address.
As per reports, event organizers revealed rules that prohibit public speaking from political figures at the 9/11 memorial service – after they had done so, the Trump administration are said to have withdrew their plans to have the POTUS appear at the ceremony.
The rules in question were first implemented by the National September 11 Memorial and Museum back in 2012, after political discourse regarding the reconstruction of the site.
It’s now reported that Trump will instead attend a memorial event at the Pentagon in Virginia – where another hijacked plane crashed on 9/11. It’s also said that Trump will deliver a speech there.
Following speculation that the only reason Trump wouldn’t be at the World Trade Center to mark the 25th year since the most infamous attack on US soil was because he wouldn’t be able to talk, the White House responded with a statement.
“As a proud New Yorker, President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001,” White House deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said.
“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.”
Trump himself lambasted the reports, writing on Truth Social: “The Fake Reporter from The Failing New York Times, an unattractive person both inside and out, and who knows less about me than most reporters on the beat (She’s a SCAMMER!).”
The President added: “She made up a story that on September 11th, I’m not going to the World Trade Center, in New York City, because they won’t let me make a speech, and I’m going to the Pentagon in D.C., because I’m a featured speaker.”
He added: “This is more Corrupt News, I’ve been to New York many times over the years, and no one ever speaks, it’s a ‘solemn ceremony!'”
Trump said: “I would love not to speak, because I’m speaking all the time, and this is a day to remember the victims, and their beautiful family members.”
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