U.S. President Donald Trump commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, pledging ongoing tribute to the victims and their families while also discussing the current U.S. military actions in Iran. This marked the second consecutive year that Trump participated in the ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Alongside his wife, Melania, Trump listened as the names of the 184 individuals who perished in the Pentagon attack after the hijacking of American Airlines Flight 77 were recited on Friday.
Reflecting on the heroic actions of first responders and citizens on September 11, 2001, Trump emphasized the enduring spirit of unity displayed during those challenging times. Both Trump and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used their speeches to justify the military operations against Iran, which have been ongoing for over six months.
“We acknowledge the service members currently engaged in preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world’s top sponsor of terrorism, from acquiring nuclear weapons,” stated Trump, garnering some applause. Hegseth, in a more direct manner, highlighted the ongoing military efforts to combat terrorism.
On that fateful day, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by al-Qaeda, a designated terrorist group by the U.S. government two years prior. Two planes struck the World Trade Center, causing the collapse of the twin towers, while another crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Officials concluded that the hijackers of the Pennsylvania-bound flight intended to target Washington but were thwarted by courageous passengers and crew members.
The attacks resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives, including 24 Canadian citizens. Vice-President JD Vance and former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden were among those attending the New York observance at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, where political speeches are traditionally avoided. Family members read the names of the victims, interspersed with moments of silence to mark key moments during the attacks.
Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families United, broke the tradition of not giving political speeches by questioning the lack of justice concerning Saudi Arabia’s alleged involvement in the attacks. She criticized successive administrations for prioritizing relations with Saudi Arabia over supporting the 9/11 families’ quest for accountability.
In addition to honoring the victims, this year’s memorial included a silent tribute to those who succumbed to illnesses linked to exposure to toxic dust following the towers’ collapse. New York City’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, emphasized the importance of commemorating the victims, first responders, and community resilience in the face of the tragic events.
At the Manhattan memorial, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, moved by the names of Cantor Fitzgerald employees inscribed at the site, reflected on the losses suffered by his firm during the attacks. Trump administration officials also participated in a ceremony in Shanksville, while across the country, various memorial rituals took place to remember the lives lost on September 11.
The attacks reshaped air travel in North America, leading to enhanced security measures and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S.-led global war on terrorism, including military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, stemmed from the events of 9/11. Despite the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the attacks, remains detained at Guantanamo Bay, awaiting trial.
Canada, under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s leadership, supported the U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan, with Canadian casualties numbering 159 service members and seven civilians throughout the deployment.
