President Donald Trump’s administration is looking into ways to take control of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. The White House confirmed on Friday that officials are having “preliminary exploratory discussions” about the idea. The site in lower Manhattan features two memorial pools with waterfalls and the names of the dead, plus an underground museum.
The memorial and museum have been run by a public charity since opening to the public in 2014. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is often critical of Trump, currently chairs the organization. During his campaign last year, Trump promised to make the site a national monument that would be protected and maintained by the federal government.
However, museum officials say the federal government cannot simply take over the site under current laws, as per Politico. The memorial is located on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Beth Hillman, the organization’s president and CEO, said taking federal control “makes no sense” given Trump’s efforts to cut government spending. “We’re proud that our exhibitions tell stories of bravery and patriotism and are confident that our current operating model has served the public honorably and effectively,” she said, noting the organization has raised $750 million in private funds and welcomed some 90 million visitors since its opening.
Financial struggles fuel takeover discussions
The push for federal control comes as the museum faces serious money problems. In 2024, the nonprofit reported $93 million in revenue but spent $112 million, creating a $19 million deficit. Despite raising ticket prices to $36 for adults and $85 for full tours, the museum has remained unprofitable. Executive salaries have also sparked criticism, with CEO Elizabeth Hillman earning $856,216 total compensation in 2024, a 63% increase since 2022.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul strongly opposed the federal takeover plan. “The 9/11 Memorial belongs to New Yorkers – the families, survivors, and first responders who have carried this legacy for more than two decades and ensured we never forget,” she said. Hochul criticized Trump for considering the move after his administration briefly cut funding for the World Trade Center Health Program that provides benefits to people with illnesses linked to toxic dust from the destroyed towers.
The takeover idea has created mixed reactions among 9/11 families and survivors. Some worry that federal control could lead to political interference with the site’s exhibits and storytelling. Others believe government oversight might help solve the museum’s ongoing financial troubles. Anthoula Katsimatides, a museum board member who lost her brother in the attacks, said she saw no reason to change ownership, praising how well the current team tells the story of that day. The museum has faced years of criticism from some victims’ families over high ticket prices and executive compensation amid budget shortfalls.
Published: Sep 8, 2025 08:51 am