Updated 1w+ ago · Politics

Trump Awards Medal of Freedom to 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther

Trump gathered first responders and military personnel on the White House Ellipse Tuesday to honor victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary.

16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower was displayed on the Ellipse.
343 FDNY firefighters died on Sept. 11; over 400 more have since died of related illness.
Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther.
Crowther, 24, saved 18 people before dying when the South Tower collapsed.

Why it matters: The Steel Across America tour has covered more than 10,500 miles across 21 states since May, returning the artifact to Ground Zero on the anniversary date.

Tunnel to Towers was founded in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, killed in the attacks.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the Sept. 11 attacks across New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

How 38 sources split on this story

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Political Bias

Coverage by lean% of 38 sources

38 sources · 45 articles · 55% Right coverage

Center coverage, 11 sources: The center covers the event as a straightforward ceremonial occasion, emphasizing logistics of the tour and official statements without broader commentary.

The National Desk1w+Tunnel to Towers: 9/11 steel beam’s cross-country journey keeps sacrifices alive abc27 (WHTM)1w+Flight 93 heroes honored with flag at the State Capitol Associated Press1w+Trump honors 9/11 victims at the Ellipse, pledging to 'never forget'CTV News1w+Trump honours 9/11 victims at the Ellipse, pledging to ‘never forget’Fortune1w+'America is blessed with a strength': Trump commemorates victims of 9/11 ahead of quarter-century anniversary | Fortune Jerusalem Post1w+Trump claims firefighters carried him to safety after 9/11 attacks, 'New York Times' disputes PBS NewsHour1w+WATCH: Trump remembers 9/11 victims and heroes at Steel Across America anniversary event Stars and Stripes1w+White House leads 9/11 tribute with first responders, military members and Gold Star families The Hill1w+Trump posthumously awards Medal of Freedom to 9/11 hero Welles Crowther USA Today1w+Trump honors fallen 9/11 heroes as South Tower steel beam tour reaches DC WFLA News Channel 81w+Trump posthumously awards Medal of Freedom to 9/11 hero Welles Crowther

Left6 sources

The Boston Globe1w+Trump awards Medal of Freedom to Boston College graduate who saved lives on 9/11 ABC News1w+Trump honors 9/11 victims at the Ellipse, pledging to 'never forget'CNN1w+Trump honors 9/11 first responders — and plugs his political priorities Los Angeles Times1w+Trump honors 9/11 victims at the Ellipse, pledging to 'never forget'Mediaite1w+Trump Jokes That 9/11 Hero ‘The Man in the Red Bandana’ Is More Famous Than He Is: ‘I Do ...The New York Times1w+Trump Awards Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther, the ‘Man in the Red Bandanna’

Right coverage, 21 sources: The right frames the event as a meaningful display of presidential commitment to honoring sacrifice, with detailed coverage of each tribute and Trump's personal remarks.

What’s next: The Coast Guard will commission a fast-response cutter named for firefighter Jeffrey Palazzo in New York this weekend.

The steel beam is scheduled to arrive at Ground Zero on Sept. 11 to mark the anniversary.
What permanent memorial or policy actions, if any, will the administration announce on the anniversary itself?