US leaders marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a mix of tributes, memorials, and political statements. The event, which saw the deaths of 2,977 people, was commemorated through ceremonies in Washington, New York, and Pennsylvania. US President Donald Trump attended a Pentagon ceremony, while Vice President JD Vance participated in a New York memorial. The event included moments of silence and the reading of names of the victims, with some attendees expressing concerns about the role of Saudi Arabia in the attacks.

Trump, who chose to stay in Washington, DC, for the anniversary, described the attacks as 'true evil' and linked them to his administration's war against Iran. He stated, 'We will never, ever forget. That’s why we fight today.' His remarks were echoed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who warned of continued threats and justified the US-Israeli war against Iran as a response to the attacks. Hegseth claimed the US has destroyed Iran’s defenses and controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for international trade.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, attended the New York memorial alongside former mayor Rudy Giuliani. Despite facing criticism from some conservative politicians and victims’ families, Mamdani released a video on social media remembering the victims and calling on the public to honor their memory. He also disclosed previously undisclosed documents suggesting city officials downplayed the dangers of air pollution following the attacks.

Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed used social media to pay tribute to the victims, countering Republican attacks that linked him to left-wing commentators. El-Sayed emphasized that no justification can be found for the attacks, stating, 'Nothing can justify the murder of innocent civilians.' He called for a more inclusive and just America in tribute to the lives lost.

The anniversary also saw a 9/11 widow, Terry Strada, criticize Saudi Arabia’s role in the attacks, despite the 9/11 Commission Report clearing the country of involvement. Strada’s comments drew applause from the audience, highlighting ongoing debates about accountability. Other commemorations included events in London, Toronto, and Gander, Newfoundland, where the US ambassador praised the town for its role in sheltering diverted passengers.

While the tributes honored the victims, some responses remain unclear. Additionally, the legal status of 9/11 accused, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, remains pending. The anniversary also raised questions about the long-term health impacts of the attacks, with illnesses related to dust and smoke from the towers’ collapse having claimed more than threefold the number of lives lost in the attacks. The full scope of these impacts and their implications for public health remain areas of ongoing research and debate.