Former U.S. Presidents Attend 9/11 25th-Anniversary Ceremonies as Trump Speaks at Pentagon

All living former U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton—joined Vice President J.D. Vance at the World Trade Center memorial in New York City for the 25th-anniversary ceremony. The event began with a tolling bell and a series of moments of silence marking the times of the four 2001 attacks, including the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, briefly shook hands with former mayor Rudy Giuliani before the two departed separate ways. Giuliani, who has faced legal challenges and criticism for his post-9/11 statements, previously said Mamdani’s presence “offends” him.

During the memorial, families of victims spoke, and Terry Strada, chair of 9/11 Families United, called on the current administration to hold Saudi Arabia accountable and to support survivors.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended a separate ceremony at the Pentagon, where he recalled the victims and described the nation’s response as an “authentic spirit.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke, linking the anniversary to ongoing U.S. actions against Iran and describing the conflict as a fight against “Islamic theocracy.”

For the first time, the New York memorial observed a seventh moment of silence to honor those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. Newly released records indicate city officials were aware of health risks from Ground Zero toxins, and the World Trade Center Health Program reports more than 9,000 deaths from related illnesses, including 600 firefighters.