Introduction:
September 11, 2001’s tragic events left an indelible mark on the United States and the world. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, individuals from all walks of life responded in various ways. This blog post delves into the statements and actions of former President Donald Trump concerning September 11, spanning from the immediate aftermath of the attacks to more recent years. It sheds light on how his words and deeds have intersected with this historic event.
September 11, 2001:
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, Donald Trump made several statements regarding the impact on the real estate landscape in Manhattan. He described how Trump Tower at 40 Wall Street briefly became the tallest building in downtown Manhattan after the World Trade Center towers collapsed. Furthermore, he later claimed $150,000 from the government for “rent loss” and “repairs” related to the attacks.
September 11, 2013:
On the 12th anniversary 9/11, Trump sent a tweet extending his best wishes, but with an unconventional tone, including a reference to “haters and losers.” This tweet was later retweeted and garnered attention.
November 2015:
During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump made controversial comments about 9/11. He predicted the attacks in his 2000 book, “The America We Deserve.” He made an unverified assertion about Muslims cheering the Twin Towers collapse in New Jersey.
February 2016:
Trump made statements suggesting that former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were responsible for not apprehending Osama bin Laden when they had the opportunity. He also claimed to have lost “hundreds of friends” on 9/11, a statement questioned for accuracy.
April 2016:
In April 2016, Trump claimed to have assisted in clearing rubble at Ground Zero after the attacks, a claim for which no corroborating evidence has been provided. He also mistakenly referred to the date as “7/11” during a campaign rally.
April 2017:
After becoming President, Trump boasted about the ratings of news programs covering September 11 compared to those covering his presidency.
September 2017:
On the 16th anniversary of the attacks, President Trump tweeted a message of remembrance and honor for the victims.
September 2018:
One year later, President Trump praised former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for his response to 9/11 during a Pennsylvania memorial visit.
July 2019:
Just before signing an extension of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, President Trump claimed to have spent significant time at Ground Zero with first responders.
September 2019:
On the 18th anniversary 9/11, President Trump made a statement suggesting he had visually witnessed the planes hitting the Twin Towers from a nearby building, despite his residence being four miles away from Ground Zero.
As of the last knowledge update in September 2021, there was no credible evidence to support Donald Trump’s claim that he assisted in clearing rubble at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 attacks. This assertion had faced extensive scrutiny and skepticism from various quarters, including journalists, fact-checkers, and individuals directly involved in the rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero.
Numerous reports and investigations conducted up to that point had failed to uncover any documented records or credible eyewitness accounts substantiating Trump’s assertion that he actively participated in clearing debris at the site. The absence of such evidence casts doubt on his claim’s veracity.
It is crucial to emphasize that first responders, firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and volunteers were primarily responsible for the post-9/11 rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Many of these individuals faced significant health risks due to their exposure to hazardous materials during their heroic efforts. Trump’s claim of personal involvement in these activities remained unverified and was met with skepticism, particularly by those who had firsthand experience responding to the 9/11 attacks.
Since this information is based on knowledge up to September 2021, any subsequent developments or additional information regarding this specific claim will not be included in this response. Therefore, it is advisable to consult reputable news sources and fact-checking organizations for updates.
Conclusion:
Donald Trump’s statements and actions related to September 11, 2001, have been diverse and, at times, controversial. His commentary and interactions with this historic event have sparked discussion and debate. Understanding how public figures like Trump engage with moments of national significance can provide insight into their perspectives and priorities.
Cited Works:
What Did Donald Trump Say on 9/11? September 11 Transcripts, Quotes. https://www.newsweek.com/what-did-donald-trump-say-september-11-1826013?fbclid=IwAR1vzO63IoHcTC65PZ5gpSxnugyq6EF9kM_lSDzokL75tGVYs4IxH1VoOMY






