All Four Former Presidents to Attend 9/11 25th Anniversary at Ground Zero Without Trump

On September 11, 2026, four former U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—will unite at Ground Zero in New York City to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. President Donald Trump, currently serving his second term, will attend a separate ceremony at the Pentagon, reflecting organizers’ decision to uphold a longstanding policy against political speeches during the Ground Zero remembrance.

Ground Zero Ceremony Hosts Four Former Presidents

The 25th anniversary of the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, is being observed with a solemn ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York. Joining together at Ground Zero are four former presidents representing three decades of American leadership: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Their presence highlights a rare moment of bipartisan unity to honor the victims and first responders.

Each former president will participate in the event by laying wreaths and paying tribute to those who lost their lives. The gathering is seen as a poignant reminder of the collective American resilience in the face of tragedy, bringing together leaders from different political eras.

President Trump to Commemorate at the Pentagon

President Donald Trump will attend a separate 9/11 commemoration ceremony at the Pentagon, one of the three sites targeted during the attacks. The Pentagon event includes a moment of silence, wreath-laying, and remarks from the president.

President Trump’s decision to hold his own event follows the organizers’ refusal to grant him a speaking role at Ground Zero due to a policy prohibiting political speeches at the annual remembrance. This longstanding guideline aims to maintain the solemnity and nonpartisan nature of the ceremony.

The split in venues has drawn attention across political and media circles, but both events are expected to honor the victims’ memories with respect and dignity.

Policy Against Political Speeches at Ground Zero

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and related event organizers have consistently enforced a rule forbidding political speeches during the annual memorial ceremonies. This policy is designed to keep the focus on remembrance and healing rather than political discourse.

President Trump’s request for a speaking role was declined in line with this principle, prompting him to choose the Pentagon as his commemoration site. Organizers emphasize that the policy applies equally to all political figures, past and present.

This approach has historically helped maintain a respectful atmosphere at Ground Zero, where families of victims, survivors, and first responders gather each year.

Significance of the 25th Anniversary

The silver anniversary of 9/11 represents a significant milestone for the nation. It is a moment not only to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost but also to reflect on the lasting impact the attacks have had on U.S. national security, foreign policy, and the collective American identity.

The presence of multiple former presidents at the Ground Zero ceremony underscores the enduring importance of unity and remembrance. It also serves as a reminder of how the tragedy shaped the leadership of the country through the early 21st century.

Communities across the nation, including those in North Carolina’s Wayne and Duplin counties, are holding local commemorations to mark the day alongside national events.

As the nation pauses to remember on September 11, 2026, the joint presence of the four former presidents at Ground Zero and President Trump’s Pentagon ceremony highlight different approaches to remembrance, yet share a common goal: honoring the victims and reaffirming America’s commitment to resilience and unity.