Trump Honors 9/11 Heroes And Victims In Powerful White House Tribute

President Donald Trump on Tuesday honored the victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, just days away from the 25th anniversary. Trump made his remarks at the White House Ellipse alongside Tunnel to Towers Foundation Chairman and CEO Frank Siller and 9/11 first responders as part of a nationwide tour of a 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center's South Tower. The charity brought the beam to Washington as part of its 'Steel Across America' tour, which is traveling more than 10,500 miles across the country ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 'When we see this steel, we're reminded that no matter what threat or challenge comes our way, America will fight, America will endure, and America will prevail,' Trump said. 'Nothing can keep our country down — and our country is stronger today than it's ever been before.' Trump also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to family members of Welles Crowther, who is known as a hero who tied a red bandana around his face as he saved people on 9/11 before he was killed. Crowther, a stock trader, guided a number of people to safety from the South Tower, using his training as a volunteer firefighter. Crowther's mother and sister received the award from the president on stage. BEAUTIFUL: President Trump just awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the family of 9/11 hero Welles Crowther at a Tunnels to Towers event at the Ellipse. And even PERSONALLY had handed it to his mom and sister on stage 🙏🏻 'It is my privilege to award the very special,… pic.twitter.com/uSUNXHsvys — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 8, 2026 During his remarks, the president also recalled his own experience on 9/11. He said he took one of his crews down to the site after the planes crashed into the towers to try to offer any help they could. 'There wasn't too much we could do, I'll be honest,' Trump said. 'It was raw — nobody's seen anything like it.' 🚨 JUST IN: President Trump tells the story of how he was under the US Steel Building during 9/11 and firemen had to RUSH him out in case it collapsed 'They grabbed me under the arms, they got to get out of here and they literally lifted me up. This is not easy to do. I'm big.… pic.twitter.com/oEMKckRqpe — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 8, 2026 Trump is set to speak at the Pentagon remembrance ceremony on Friday, the day of the anniversary. Vice President JD Vance will visit Ground Zero in New York City. Related: Mamdani To Attend 9/11 Ceremony Despite Awkward Ties To Terrorist Sympathizers