The controversy began with reports that event organizers at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum reminded the White House of long-standing rules: no political speeches at the New York ceremony, a policy in place since 2012 to keep the day focused on victims, families, and first responders. After that, plans for Trump to attend the World Trade Center observance reportedly evaporated, and attention shifted to the Pentagon, where he is expected to deliver remarks instead.

The White House framed his choice as deeply personal, emphasizing Trump’s identity as a “proud New Yorker” who watched the attacks unfold and wants to honor the dead, comfort grieving families, and salute those who ran toward danger. Trump himself, however, took a scorched-earth approach online, blasting the New York Times reporter, denying he’d ever demanded to speak, and insisting the New York ceremony is, and should remain, a “solemn ceremony” where “no one ever speaks.”