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3w ago

White House Explores Federal Control of 9/11 Memorial as New York Pushes Back

Local leaders call a federal takeover legally unworkable.

FILE - Hagi Abucar places flowers for his former coworker Lindsey Herkness on the south reflecting pool during the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
FILE - A woman holds up a photo of a New York City Police officer during the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith, File)
FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
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Overview

  • The White House confirmed it has held preliminary exploratory discussions about bringing the site under federal control, following President Trump's pledge to designate Ground Zero a national monument.
  • Museum officials say no law permits a unilateral takeover and note the memorial and museum sit on Port Authority land, creating significant legal obstacles.
  • President and CEO Beth Hillman argues assuming operating costs would contradict federal cost-cutting, pointing to $750 million raised privately and roughly 90 million visitors since opening.
  • Financial scrutiny persists, with filings showing about $93 million in 2024 revenue and public criticism of ticket prices and executive compensation fueling calls for change from some families.
  • Gov. Kathy Hochul and museum leaders oppose shifting control, while some victims' relatives and firefighter union voices support federal designation, leaving the path forward uncertain.