By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, marked by effusive praise for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has drawn sharp criticism from 9/11 victims’ families. While Trump lauded MBS’s economic achievements, ignoring the kingdom’s alleged role in the attacks, some victims’ family members expressed profound pain and anger at this perceived betrayal of the “Never Forget” pledge. This stark contrast highlights the deep divisions surrounding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in 9/11 and the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice. Differing opinions exist among victims’ families themselves, with some prioritizing pursuing justice against the U.S. intelligence agencies while others focus on Saudi culpability.
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The outrage felt by 9/11 families regarding Trump’s warm reception of Saudi officials speaks volumes. Their anger centers on a perceived betrayal of the “Never Forget” mantra, a sentiment deeply ingrained in the national consciousness following the attacks. The warmth and apparent deference shown by Trump towards Saudi leaders, especially in light of the longstanding suspicions surrounding Saudi Arabia’s potential involvement in the 9/11 attacks, feels deeply jarring to those who lost loved ones.
The sheer extravagance of Trump’s reception in Saudi Arabia—the fighter jet escort, the honor guard, the Arabian horses—only fueled the fire. Such ostentatious displays of hospitality seemed to mock the pain and suffering experienced by victims’ families, turning a solemn remembrance into a spectacle. The jarring contrast between the pomp and circumstance and the gravity of the occasion left many feeling deeply unsettled and betrayed.
The criticism extends beyond the symbolic gestures of the visit. Trump’s business dealings, particularly his acceptance of funding from LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed venture, further aggravated the 9/11 families. They see this as a direct acceptance of “blood money,” further tainting the image of an already controversial figure in the eyes of those who hold him accountable for his actions.
The question, “What ever happened to ‘Never Forget?'” echoes a collective frustration and disillusionment. It highlights the perceived hypocrisy of a leader who seemingly prioritizes personal gain and political expediency over the memory of a national tragedy and the suffering of those who endured its consequences. For many, this represents a betrayal of the collective mourning and national unity that followed 9/11.
This sentiment is further underscored by the perspectives of first responders, such as the retired firefighter who directly confronted the perceived disconnect. His visceral reaction reflects the tangible and lasting impact 9/11 had on emergency services personnel, the wounds of which are often overlooked in the larger national narrative. The emotional weight of his experience and the subsequent health issues, coupled with Trump’s actions, underscores the profound disconnect felt by many who directly experienced the aftermath of the attacks.
Adding to the criticism is the persistent, and widely debated, evidence suggesting Saudi involvement in the attacks. While Saudi Arabia denies any direct role, the presence of Saudi nationals among the perpetrators and lingering questions about funding have made the issue highly sensitive for those affected. Therefore, the optics of Trump’s warm embrace of Saudi officials are particularly grating, reinforcing a feeling of betrayal and injustice.
The argument also highlights a broader political division. The contrast between the 9/11 families’ reactions and the apparent indifference or even support displayed by some Trump loyalists illustrates a rift in the national narrative about the event and its aftermath. This divergence of opinion further exacerbates the outrage felt by the families.
The sheer volume of outrage, expressed across various platforms and within different circles, points to a deep societal wound. It indicates that while the physical scars of 9/11 may be fading, the emotional scars and questions surrounding the event and its impact remain raw. The Trump administration’s dealings with Saudi Arabia, therefore, are seen not just as a political misstep, but as a profound affront to the memories of those lost and a betrayal of those who sacrificed greatly in its wake.
In essence, the controversy surrounding Trump’s Saudi Arabia trip exposes a far deeper issue than just a political disagreement. It serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing trauma felt by those affected by 9/11 and raises serious questions about national priorities, political leadership, and the enduring impact of the nation’s greatest tragedy. The sharp criticism leveled by the 9/11 families encapsulates a widespread sense of betrayal and a profound questioning of the promises and assurances made in the aftermath of the attacks, all focused around the core question: what happened to “Never Forget?”