In an Unexpected Gesture, President Biden Wears Trump Hat at 9/11 Commemoration
Shanksville, PA: In a surprising and symbolic gesture, US President Joe Biden donned one of former President Donald Trump’s signature red hats on Wednesday during a 9/11 commemorative event. The White House described the move as a demonstration of “unity” on the solemn anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The veteran Democrat was dared to wear the cap while attending ceremonies alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at the Pennsylvania site where Flight 93 tragically crashed. The event was a significant moment of remembrance and reflection, marked by the presence of both political figures.
White House explanation
“At the Shanksville Fire Station, President Joe Biden spoke about the country’s bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that,” White House spokesperson Andrew Bates posted on X. “As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, (Biden) should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it.”
A viral moment
Images and videos of Biden, 81, wearing a hat emblazoned with the slogan “Trump 2024,” quickly went viral, igniting discussions across social media. The moment was particularly striking given Biden’s past characterization of Trump as an existential threat to US democracy.
Political reactions
The gesture came a day after a prime-time televised presidential debate between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. During the debate, Trump had controversially declared, “Biden hates you,” to Harris. The Trump campaign’s War Room account humorously suggested Biden wore the cap because “Kamala did so bad in last night’s debate.”
In contrast, neutral observers and national polls suggested otherwise. Trump was widely viewed as having had a poor debate performance, appearing defensive and unprepared. An average of 57 percent of viewers in three national polls conducted since the debate said Harris emerged as the stronger debater, while only 34 percent favored Trump.
Earlier in the day, Harris and Trump shook hands at New York’s 9/11 memorial. Wearing commemorative blue ribbons, they joined other dignitaries, including Biden, to honor the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 attacks. The names of those who perished in the Twin Towers attacks were solemnly read out, providing a poignant reminder of the nation’s shared grief and resilience.
This unexpected gesture by President Biden was a testament to the enduring spirit of unity that transcends political divides, even in these polarized times.