Trump Attacks Haberman and NY Mag Over 9/11 Coverage
Donald Trump has launched a fierce attack on journalist Maggie Haberman and New York Magazine over their reporting on his whereabouts following the September 11 attacks. Trump used his Truth Social platform to demand retractions, dismissing their reports as false and labeling the journalists “liars and scoundrels.” He also insulted Haberman personally, calling her “unattractive both inside and out.”
Trump’s tirade is in response to reports questioning his claims about his presence at Ground Zero after 9/11. These reports suggest a lack of evidence for Trump’s assertion that he was actively involved in recovery efforts shortly after the attacks. Trump shared an archival video from September 13, 2001, showing him at the site, claiming to have workers help with the efforts.
The altercation with Haberman also touched on reports about Trump’s plans for the 25th anniversary of the attacks. According to previous discussions, there were claims that Trump sought to speak at the New York ceremony but was instead attending the Pentagon event after a schedule reorganization. The New York Times has refused to issue a retraction regarding these claims, suggesting it was yet another instance of Trump repudiating unfavorable media coverage.
Haberman and her colleagues’ reporting on Trump’s 9/11 plans indicated that his presence was expected at the Pentagon, not Ground Zero, aligning with a desire to speak at such events. Trump’s assault on media figures has been a significant part of his approach to media criticisms, often resulting in public confrontations.
In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Trump’s defense of his post-9/11 actions emphasizes his narrative but lacks tangible corroboration from witnesses or officials present at Ground Zero. This latest incident underscores Trump’s pattern of attacking media outlets that challenge his narrative, a tactic that has defined much of his public engagements.