President Donald Trump launched a blistering personal attack against New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman on Friday, accusing her of using fake sources and fabricating a report about his plans for the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Trump responded after Haberman and three Times colleagues reported that he is expected to attend a ceremony at the Pentagon instead of the National September 11 Memorial in Manhattan.
Politicians have been prohibited from delivering speeches at the Ground Zero commemoration since 2012 as organizers have sought to keep the annual ceremony focused on victims and their families.
“Maggot Hagerman, the Fake Reporter from The Failing New York Times, an unattractive person both inside and out, and who knows less about me than most reporters on the beat (She’s a SCAMMER!), made up a story,” Trump wrote.
The president denied that he planned to skip the New York ceremony because he would not be allowed to speak there while receiving a featured speaking role at the Pentagon.
“This is more Corrupt News,” Trump continued. “I’ve been to New York many times over the years, and no one ever speaks, it’s a ‘solemn ceremony!’”
Trump said the commemoration should center on those killed in the attacks and their relatives.
“I never even thought of what Maggot made up, and besides, I would love not to speak, because I’m speaking all the time, and this is a day to remember the victims, and their beautiful family members,” he wrote.
Trump also referenced his legal battles with the Times and attacked Haberman’s Pulitzer-winning coverage of him.
“She’s been falsely writing about me for years,” Trump concluded. “She’s a stalker, and should be forced to turn over any and all money that she’s made through her fake reporting on me.”
The Times reported Thursday that Trump’s team previously indicated he would attend the Manhattan ceremony and conducted advance visits at the location. According to the newspaper, the president’s desire to speak was later communicated to organizers.
The report said Trump was instead expected to attend the Pentagon commemoration, where he would be able to deliver remarks.
Vice President JD Vance was reportedly selected to represent the White House at Ground Zero in Trump’s place.
The Times also reported that travel logistics played a role in the decision. Trump is scheduled to leave the following day for his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland.
Departing from Joint Base Andrews would reportedly create fewer disruptions than flying out of the New York area.
Trump rejected the newspaper’s explanation, insisting he had never considered avoiding Ground Zero because of its longstanding ban on speeches by elected officials.
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