Donald Trump marks 9/11 anniversary with calls for unity and victory

At a memorial service held at the Pentagon to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, President Donald Trump emphasized national unity and the necessity of victory in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Trump described the attacks as a “moment of massive and terrible evil” and stated that the nation would never forget, framing the current struggle against terror as the reason for continued military efforts.

During his speech, Trump addressed the domestic political climate by calling for unity, recalling how Americans stood together as one family following the attacks. He also linked the anniversary to current geopolitical tensions, specifically mentioning the ongoing conflict with Iran. He asserted that the United States must ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke at the ceremony, noting that U.S. forces have spent the last six months targeting what he described as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. He claimed that the U.S. maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz and continues to apply economic pressure to prevent Iranian nuclear capabilities.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attended the event and reflected on her experiences immediately following the attacks. She also highlighted the role of international allies, specifically noting how NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time in its history to support the United States.