Trump seeking ways to take over 9/11 memorial in NYC

The White House confirmed there have been “preliminary exploratory discussions” about federal involvement but gave no further details. During his campaign last year, Donald Trump pledged to designate the site a national monument under federal protection.

A woman holds up a photo of a New York City Police officer during the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo)

Officials at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum said the government cannot unilaterally take over because the land is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Beth Hillman, the museum’s president and chief executive, told AP the current arrangement is working. “We’re proud that our exhibitions tell stories of bravery and patriotism and are confident that our current operating model has served the public honourably and effectively,” she said. She noted the organisation has raised $750 million in private donations and received more than 90 million visitors.

According to its latest tax filings, the museum generated $93 million in revenue last year and spent about $84 million on operating costs, leaving a surplus of nearly $9 million when depreciation is included.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed concern about the idea. “The 9/11 Memorial belongs to New Yorkers — the families, survivors, and first responders who have carried this legacy for more than two decades and ensured we never forget,” she said in a statement to AP. “Before he meddles with this sacred site, the President should start by honouring survivors and supporting the families of victims.”

Republican presidential nominee President Donald Trump, left, and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo)

Anthoula Katsimatides, a board member who lost her brother John in the attacks, told AP: “They do an incredible job telling the story of that day without sugarcoating it. It’s being run so well, I don’t see why there has to be a change.”

Some families of victims have previously criticised ticket prices or aspects of the museum’s exhibitions, but the memorial remains largely supported.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed on 11 September 2001 when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. More than 2,700 of them died in New York when the twin towers collapsed.

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