Donald Trump makes 9/11 about himself, again
President Donald Trump is facing criticism for his evolving narrative regarding his actions during the 9/11 attacks. Reports suggest his claims of being rescued by firefighters are disputed, and his decision to attend a ceremony at the Pentagon rather than the main memorial in New York has drawn attention.
Why it matters
The article highlights the ongoing tension between political narratives and historical record, particularly concerning high-profile figures and national tragedies.
In President Donald Trump’s telling at a White House event on Tuesday (September 8, 2026), two firefighters bodily lifted him to safety from a site near an unstable building after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
“And I’ll never forget,” Mr. Trump said, “we thought it was coming down on top of us, and two firemen, big strong guys -- and I’m not the smallest guy in the world -- they grabbed me under the arm, said, ‘Got to get out of here!’” Mr. Trump said.
His comments, at an event honouring emergency personnel killed on 9/11, appeared to be a new installment in a constantly evolving narrative that Donald Trump has told over the years about his actions after the attacks.
It’s a story that has long featured the New York property tycoon as the hero, with variations on him taking workers down to Ground Zero.
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