Trump Claims Firefighters Helped Him Escape from Ground Zero After 9/11

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump recounted a dramatic tale of being carried to safety by firefighters at the World Trade Center site in the immediate aftermath of the September...

Editorial Desk

September 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump recounted a dramatic tale of being carried to safety by firefighters at the World Trade Center site in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks during a White House event marking the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.

The president spoke near the Ellipse, where a section of steel from the collapsed towers was displayed as part of a nonprofit tribute to the victims. He described the moment when the U.S. Steel Building appeared to be collapsing and two firefighters allegedly lifted him to safety, despite his size.

Trump has previously shared this account, including during a 2016 campaign stop, where he mentioned hearing a “screech” that led to the firefighters’ urgent reaction. Despite repeated claims, first responders who were on-site have not confirmed his presence at Ground Zero, yet the president continues to highlight his involvement each year around the anniversary of the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

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Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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