Updated Sep 11, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Trump visits NYC but opts out of official ceremony on 20th anniversary of 9/11

Former President Donald Trump struck a divisive tone as he visited New York City on Saturday, opting not to participate in the official ceremony at Ground Zero honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks.

Why it matters: The 45th president's remarks were in sharp contrast to the calls for unity from President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President George W. Bush, who alluded to the Capitol insurrection and the dangers of homegrown extremists in his own remarks in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

  • Standing in front of first responders at the 17th Precinct station house in East Midtown, Trump said: "I'll say it loud. You know, you're not supposed to say that. We love the blue."
  • Biden along with Harris and former Presidents Bush and Obama all also honored first responders in their respective remarks on the anniversary.
  • Trump had told Fox News on Friday that he planned to visit Ground Zero on Saturday, but no official plans were been announced.
  • On Saturday evening, Trump will virtually address Let Us Worship, an evangelical event in Washington, D.C., Trump's spokeswoman Liz Harrington told the New York Times.
  • He will also be providing commentary for a pay-per-view boxing match.
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