Trump administration weighs federal takeover of 9/11 Memorial But New York officials push back

The administration of US President Donald Trump disclosed that it is considering whether the federal government could assume control of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.

The White House confirmed on September 5 that there have been “preliminary exploratory discussions” on the matter but declined to provide further details. According to a report by AP, the statement noted that Trump had pledged during last year’s campaign to designate the site as a national monument, protected and maintained by the federal government.

However, officials at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum argue that under current law, Washington cannot unilaterally take control of the site, which sits on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“We’re proud that our exhibitions tell stories of bravery and patriotism and are confident that our current operating model has served the public honourably and effectively,” said Beth Hillman, the organisation’s president and CEO. She highlighted that the institution has raised $750 million in private funds and welcomed around 90 million visitors since opening.

Located in lower Manhattan, where the World Trade Center’s twin towers fell to hijacked planes on September 11, 2001, the site features two memorial pools encircled by waterfalls and parapets bearing the victims’ names, along with an underground museum. Since its 2014 opening, the memorial and museum have been managed by a public charity, chaired by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a frequent critic of Trump.

According to museum officials and its latest tax filings, the institution generated more than $93 million in revenue last year, spending about $84 million on operations and leaving a surplus of nearly $9 million after depreciation.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed concern about any federal intervention, citing the Trump administration’s previous efforts to influence narratives in national monuments and museums.

“The 9/11 Memorial belongs to New Yorkers — the families, survivors, and first responders who have carried this legacy for more than two decades and ensured we never forget,” Hochul said in a statement.

The article recalls that the memorial and museum have faced criticism from some members of the 9/11 victims’ families over the years, who have raised concerns about ticket prices and called for revisions to the museum’s exhibits.

By Nazrin Sadigova