Trump Claims 9/11 Ground Zero Work Despite Lack of Evidence
President Trump told Fox News host Trey Gowdy that he went to Ground Zero the day after September 11, 2001 and 'worked long and hard' with his own construction crews.
- Trump said he watched both planes strike the towers from a midtown apartment.
- On September 13, 2001, Trump claimed he had 'more than a hundred workers' at the site.
- Former FDNY Chief Richard Alles said all crews operated under police and fire supervision.
- PolitiFact, USA Today, and Poynter each reported they could not verify the claim.
Why it matters: Trump's account directly conflicts with the on-record statements of first responders and fact-checkers who investigated it over multiple years.
- On the day of the attacks, Trump phoned a television show and noted that his 40 Wall Street property had become the tallest building in lower Manhattan.
- Progressive commentator David Pakman noted that even Trump's 40 Wall Street boast was incorrect, as 70 Pine Street stood taller.
How 21 sources split on this story
Where they split: Whether Trump's account reflects a genuine misremembering or a deliberate fabrication is the core disagreement among those covering the story.
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center presents Trump's claims in his own words alongside the factual record and social media reaction, without editorializing on motive.
Asia Times2h‘Stolen valor’: Trump’s 9/11 story draws scorn as fabrication - Asia Times
Newsweek6hWhat was Trump doing after 9/11? Evolution of his version of events
PBS NewsHour4hFact-checking Trump's stories about his own 9/11 responsePolPolitiFact6hFact-checking Trump’s recounting of his 9/11 response
TMZ2hGovernor Gavin Newsom Slams Donald Trump For Allegedly Telling Fake 9/11 StoryYNYahoo News2hFact check: Trump’s story about being carried away by firefighters after the 9/11 attackLeft coverage, 14 sources: The left frames the story as a long-running and deliberate falsehood that dishonors actual first responders, pointing to Trump's same-day 40 Wall Street boast as evidence of his real priorities.
The Independent7hTrump’s Ground Zero story at 9/11 memorial event raises eyebrows
Raw Story1hWhite House lashes out after Trump's 9/11 story reduced to rubble
Mediaite5hCritics Erupt Over Trump’s 9/11 Claims: ‘Disgusting Thing to Lie About’
AlterNet8h'No evidence': Trump 9/11 speech fact-checked in brutal takedownCleCleveland.com8hTrump called out on brazen new ‘totally made up story’ about 9/11
CNN2hFact check: Trump’s story about being carried away by firefighters after the 9/11 attackDKDaily Kos5hTrump can’t help but make 9/11 about himself
Mother Jones5hWatch Trump falsely suggest he was pulled from Ground Zero on 9/11.NYMNew York Magazine4hTrump Tells Weird Lie About Where He Was on 9/11
Political Wire4hTrump’s Bizarre History with 9/11
Rolling Stone6hTrump’s Bizarre History With 9/11TNRThe New Republic8hTrump Hosts Weird 9/11 Tribute After Backing Out of National Ceremony
What’s next: The 25th anniversary memorial is days away; Trump has not confirmed attendance.
- All four living former presidents are expected at New York City's ceremony.
- What, if any, documentation exists of Trump or his workers visiting the Ground Zero area in the days after the attacks?
- Will Trump address the anniversary publicly and repeat the claim, or modify his account?