Trump confirms Pentagon plans for 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks, disputes report on Ground Zero absence

A reporter on Friday asked the president why he was not planning to be in New York for the somber occasion.

"Because I'm going to the Pentagon," Trump shouted to the press at Joint Base Andrews.

When asked about the Times report, a White House spokeswoman called Trump a "proud New Yorker."

"President Trump has spoken about his own experiences watching the horrific events of September 11, 2001. On the 25th anniversary of this tragic day, the president will remember those who were killed at the hands of evil terrorists, honor their loved ones and pay tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow Americans," White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement to Fox News.

After TMZ posted on X that Trump was "snubbing" the Ground Zero ceremony, White House communications director Steven Cheung fired back.

"FAKE NEWS," Cheung wrote.

"This is more Corrupt News, I've been to New York many times over the years, and no one ever speaks, it's a 'solemn ceremony!'"

Trump said, "I would love not to speak, because I'm speaking all the time, and this is a day to remember the victims, and their beautiful family members."

Trump also did not attend the Ground Zero ceremony during his first term. He spoke at the Pentagon in 2017, then alternated in subsequent years between commemorations there and at the site in Pennsylvania.

The 9/11 attacks, which remain the deadliest in the nation's history, prompted the invasion of Afghanistan and helped usher in the broader War on Terror, which later included the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Fox News' Patrick Ward contributed to this report.