America’s leaders are preparing to gather at Ground Zero as the nation remembers the thousands lost on September 11 — but one notable absence is expected to draw attention.

On September 11, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a solemn ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Nearly every living former president is expected to attend, but one will reportedly observe the anniversary elsewhere, adding an unexpected political dimension to an otherwise deeply personal day of remembrance.

A Day Centered on Remembrance, Not Politics

For families returning to the 9/11 Memorial, the focus will remain on the people whose lives were forever changed that morning.

Family members will read the names of 2,983 victims who died in the September 11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The lengthy reading serves as a powerful reminder that behind the enormous death toll were individual people, families and stories.

The ceremony will also include six moments of silence, marking the key moments when the World Trade Center towers were struck and collapsed, the attack on the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

A seventh moment of silence will remember those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses, highlighting the fact that the tragedy continued to claim lives long after the attacks themselves ended.

With roughly 100 million Americans too young to personally remember September 11, organizers are also placing renewed emphasis on educating younger generations about what happened and how the country responded.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum has emphasized remembrance, service and education as the 25th anniversary approaches. Members of the public will also be able to view the private family ceremony online before the Memorial opens to visitors later in the day.

One tradition remains especially important: politicians are not permitted to give speeches during the ceremony.

While elected officials once participated by reading poems and historic texts, the Memorial has maintained a ban on political speeches since 2012. The goal is to keep the ceremony focused entirely on the victims and their families rather than political messages.

That tradition appears to have played a role in the decision of one prominent leader to commemorate the anniversary elsewhere.

Why One President Will Be Missing From Ground Zero

Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden are expected to attend the Manhattan ceremony. Other notable guests are also expected, including Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

The one living president reportedly not attending Ground Zero is Donald Trump.

His absence is especially notable because Trump was born in New York City and has frequently spoken about September 11. His team had reportedly made preparations to attend the Memorial, and officials had initially received indications that he planned to be there.

However, the plans appear to have changed after Trump expressed an interest in speaking publicly on September 11. Memorial organizers have maintained their long-standing policy against political speeches, including for the sitting president.

According to people familiar with the discussions, Trump ultimately decided not to attend the Manhattan ceremony. His reported desire to address the gathering was one factor in the change.

Instead, Trump is expected to commemorate the anniversary at the Pentagon, another location directly affected by the September 11 attacks.

While his appearance at the Pentagon would still honor the victims, first responders and families affected by the attacks, it would mean that the current president is not standing alongside his four living predecessors at Ground Zero.

Trump’s Absence Draws Reactions

The news quickly sparked reactions online, particularly because of Trump’s New York background and the reported disagreement over whether he could speak at the Memorial.

Some commenters expressed surprise, while others interpreted the decision as carrying a deeper political meaning.

New York Prepares for a Citywide Remembrance

The Ground Zero ceremony will be only one part of a much larger series of events taking place throughout New York City.

Commemorations began September 6 with the Father Mychal Judge Walk of Remembrance in Manhattan. Judge, an FDNY chaplain who died while helping firefighters at the World Trade Center, was later designated Victim 0001.

Two films are also being shown during the anniversary period. Remembering Judge focuses on his life and legacy, while Resilience explores the long-term health effects experienced by FDNY personnel who participated in the rescue and recovery efforts.

On September 10, a candlelight vigil at the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance in Coney Island will honor first responders who lost their lives. Firehouses and EMS stations throughout the city will also hold open houses, allowing residents and visitors to meet the firefighters, EMTs and paramedics who continue to serve their communities.