In the lead-up to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, former President Donald Trump has made headlines once again with claims regarding his experiences on that fateful day. During a recent event titled “Steel Across America,” held outside the White House, Trump described being evacuated from a nearby building by two firefighters, citing concerns that the structure might collapse as a result of the attacks.
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Trump’s narrative included references to “big, strong guys,” stating, “They grabbed me under the arms and said, ‘Gotta get out of here,’ and they literally lifted me up.” While recounting this event, Trump expressed gratitude towards his construction crew, suggesting they were among the first responders to help in the aftermath of the attacks. However, his accounts have been met with scepticism, particularly given the lack of evidence supporting his claims.
The former president spoke to an audience comprising of firefighters and military personnel about the chaotic days following September 11, 2001. “For three months after September 11, the flames raged in the rubble of Ground Zero,” Trump explained. He also touched on the heroism of individuals like Welles Remy Crowther, who perished while saving others during the attacks, posthumously awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
However, Trump’s assertion about personally directing a crew of workers to Ground Zero has been challenged in the past. In 2019, The New York Times indicated that no evidence could corroborate his claims of involvement with recovery efforts. A retired fire battalion chief, Richard Alles, who worked at Ground Zero for an extended period, stated he had “no knowledge” of Trump or his crew contributing to the recovery operations.
On Tuesday, as he reflected on his experience, Trump mentioned a building that was commonly known as the U.S. Steel building, which was reportedly under scrutiny for potential structural damage following the attacks. “The United States Steel building was creaking, really creaking, and we thought it was going to fall down,” he recounted. However, official assurances had been provided to the public that the structure was safe and not at risk of collapse, dispelling such fears.
Critics have pointed out the discrepancies in Trump’s account. As investigative reporter Daniel Dale noted, there is currently no public evidence to support the claim that Trump was either present in the U.S. Steel building amid collapse fears or that he was rescued by firefighters. While Trump was observed in the vicinity in the days following the attacks, these appearances do not substantiate his assertions of active involvement in the recovery efforts.
Trump’s storytelling has evolved over time, with similar narratives being shared during his political campaigns. In a 2016 event in New Hampshire, he portrayed the experience of being assisted by firefighters, claiming that he “never knew [he] could run that fast.” His reflections on that day have consistently drawn attention, and they often combine personal anecdotes with broader themes of heroism and resilience.
Moving forward, while the former president will commemorate the anniversary in a different venue, attending the ceremony at the Pentagon instead of the memorial in New York City, several notable political figures are expected to gather in Manhattan. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and current President Joe Biden will be present, alongside previous first ladies and other prominent leaders.
As the nation prepares to honour the memory of the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, discussions about individual contributions and experiences on that day continue to spark debate. While Trump’s recollections add to the narrative, they also raise questions about the accuracy of personal histories tied to pivotal moments in American history. As the anniversary approaches, the focus shifts not only to remembrance but also to the ongoing implications of the events that unfolded 25 years ago.