President Donald Trump criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for what appeared to be laughing during the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York City on September 11, 2026. The incident occurred as relatives read the names of victims at Ground Zero, a moment widely considered solemn and reflective.
Core Facts of the Incident
The two Democrats were captured on camera sharing what appeared to be a lighthearted exchange while standing near the memorial. The moment was broadcast live during the ceremony, which included the reading of victims' names and a period of silence. A relative of a victim was seen weeping on stage immediately before the camera cut to Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez, who were smiling and appeared to be laughing. Their conversation was not audible in the footage.
Reactions and Responses
Trump, speaking to reporters in Ireland on September 13, described the behavior as 'terrible' and 'inappropriate,' stating that Ground Zero is not a place for laughter, particularly during such a significant part of the ceremony. His remarks were made while returning from the Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg club.
Criticism of the pair extended beyond Trump, with several public figures and social media users condemning their actions. Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) were among those who publicly questioned the timing and appropriateness of their behavior. Hunt wrote on X that 'there is a time and a place for politics. This isn’t it. Ground Zero is sacred ground.'
Context and Background
The 9/11 memorial ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, which resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. The event included the reading of names of those killed in both the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Mamdani had previously faced calls from 9/11 victims' groups to not attend the ceremony, which he declined to honor.
The video of the incident quickly spread across social media, with many viewers describing the moment as 'a slap in the face' to victims and their families. Critics argued that the behavior demonstrated a lack of respect for the gravity of the occasion. No official statements were issued by Mamdani or Ocasio-Cortez regarding the incident at the time of reporting.