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Trump’s immediate 9/11 response resurfaces 25 years later – and people can't believe 'evil' thing he said
Donald Trump’s immediate response to 9/11 has resurfaced 25 years later.
On September 11, 2001, the US came to a standstill after al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger planes in an attack that killed 2,977 people.
Two planes struck the Twin Towers of New York City's World Trade Center, while a third hit the Pentagon in Virginia. The fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers tried to fight back.
Now, as the country prepares to mark 25 years since that day, comments Trump made just hours after the attacks have resurfaced, and one comment has shocked people online.
What did Trump say?
Trump, who was working in New York at the time, appeared on WWOR/UPN 9 News in the immediate aftermath and described seeing a "huge explosion" after the passenger aircraft struck the World Trade Center.
During the live interview, the then-businessman was asked whether security had been tightened at Trump Tower following the attack.
"We've always had very strong security but there's very little you can do about planes crashing into a building," he replied.
Trump then turned his attention to another of his properties, the 71-story 40 Wall Street, located just blocks from where the attacks happened.
He explained that it "was the second-tallest building in downtown Manhattan, and it was actually, before the World Trade Center, was the tallest - and then, when they built the World Trade Center, it became known as the second-tallest. And now it’s the tallest."
But, according to Forbes, Trump's claim was incorrect, as 70 Pine Street, just one block away, stood 25 feet taller than 40 Wall Street.
Many people have revisited the interview nearly 25 years later and expressed shock that Trump discussed his building’s height so soon after the attacks.
One user described his immediate response as "evil." Another person wrote on YouTube: "This interview is astonishing to hear."
A third listener said: "Even at that point he had to point out that his building was then the tallest building in NY..."
Trump won't attend New York's 25th anniversary ceremony
The resurfaced comments come as New York prepares to commemorate 25 years since the attacks.
Trump, now the president, will not attend the ceremony in New York.
The New York Times reported that the 80-year-old pulled out after his administration was informed of the existing policy that political figures cannot address the crowd.
Without naming those claims, the White House responded: "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," they added.
Trump will instead be at the Pentagon to deliver a speech on September 11.
New York creates a Day of Remembrance and Service
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is set to designate September 11 as a Day of Remembrance and Service ahead of the anniversary.
His office announced that he will sign two executive orders honoring victims, first responders, survivors, city workers, and families affected by the attacks.
The first will set aside time on September 11 for a moment of silence honoring those killed and those who have suffered health consequences since.
City agencies will also be encouraged to hold memorial ceremonies, educational programming, and other remembrance activities.
"I am honored to establish the City’s first Day of Remembrance and Service on September 11th to remember those we lost on that horrific day and the first responders, families and city workers whose lives were irrevocably changed in the aftermath. Through this executive order, we are calling on New Yorkers to honor their memory through service and deep reflection," Mamdani said.
"We must also recognize that remembrance carries a responsibility to strengthen our city, protect New Yorkers and ensure that government is prepared to deliver for people no matter the circumstances. ‘Never Forget’ is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action. And that is precisely what these two executive orders demonstrate," he added.