Donald Trump criticizes Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez over 9/11 ceremony conduct

President Donald Trump has criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for their behavior during the 25th anniversary memorial ceremony for the September 11 attacks at Ground Zero.

Footage from the event shows Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez appearing to smile and laugh while the names of the victims were being read aloud. Trump described the interaction as ‘terrible’ and ‘inappropriate’ given the solemnity of the occasion. Other political figures, including Representative Wesley Hunt, also condemned the exchange, calling the site ‘sacred ground.’

Conversely, some observers disputed the characterization of the moment. Michael Ragusa, a former aide to Rudy Giuliani, suggested the video merely captured Ocasio-Cortez greeting Mamdani and noted that various politicians were interacting during the ceremony. Mamdani was also observed standing somberly during other portions of the remembrance service.