Trump Administration Considers Control of 9/11 Memorial
In recent discussions, President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to explore the possibility of federal control over the 9/11 Memorial and Museum located in New York City. This notable site, where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood, features two memorial pools surrounded by waterfalls and includes an underground museum dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001.
Since its opening in 2014, the memorial and museum have been overseen by a public charity led by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been a vocal critic of Trump. The White House confirmed that they have had “preliminary exploratory discussions” regarding the potential takeover, although they did not provide further details. During his campaign, Trump promised to designate the site as a national monument, ensuring it is preserved and maintained by the federal government.
However, officials at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum highlighted that under current laws, the federal government cannot unilaterally take over the site, which is situated on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Concerns about the sensibility of this move were raised by Beth Hillman, the museum’s president, who pointed out that it contradicts Trump’s efforts to streamline the federal bureaucracy. She emphasized that the museum has successfully raised significant private funds and has effectively served the public, welcoming millions of visitors since its inception.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed her worries about a federal takeover, pointing to the Trump administration’s attempts to influence historical narratives through national monuments and museums. She remarked that the 9/11 Memorial is a critical part of New York’s heritage and should remain in the hands of the local families and first responders who have borne its history.
Supporters of the memorial and museum argue that it serves an important function in honoring the memory of those lost, while critics have voiced concerns over ticket pricing and museum exhibit choices. Board member Anthoula Katsimatides, who lost her brother in the attacks, noted the community’s pride in how the memorial tells the story authentically and effectively.
Ultimately, the discussions about the oversight of the 9/11 Memorial raise complex questions about federal versus local control and how best to honor a tragedy that shaped the nation.
