President Trump criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after the pair were filmed laughing together during last Friday's ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in lower Manhattan. The footage, taken as victims' relatives read out the names of the dead, went viral, with critics including Texas Senator Ted Cruz accusing the Democrats of disrespecting the solemn occasion at Ground Zero.

Speaking to reporters in Ireland on Sunday, Trump called the moment "terrible" and "inappropriate," saying it occurred during "a very important part of the ceremony." The incident followed separate controversy for Mamdani, who had faced calls from 9/11 victims' groups and a petition with more than 100,000 signatures, backed by former Governor George Pataki, urging him not to attend the event; he was also criticised for handing a ceremonial pen to an attorney who had represented a convicted al-Qaeda member. Mamdani said he attended regardless to keep focus on the families who lost loved ones 25 years ago.