Full Breakdown
Trump repeats disputed 9/11 rescue claim amid CNN interview
9/9/2026, 4:39:04 PM
Event at September 11 ceremony
On September 11, a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks was scheduled. During the event, President Donald Trump recounted a story that first responders had physically lifted him from rubble near the Twin Towers. The account was presented on stage beside a display of fallen structural steel.
Senator Ted Cruz’s remarks
CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins pressed Senator Ted Cruz, a potential 2028 GOP ticket contender, on whether Trump’s narrative was appropriate. He then shifted to his own memories of being in Washington, D.C., on the day.
Trump’s Truth Social attack on Collins
He accused the network of “fiction and lies” and suggested CNN should replace its anchors to restore credibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah. Some people might just hear that and think he‘s exaggerating his role. Should anyone exaggerate what happened on 9/11?” — Look — Collins’ question to Cruz about exaggerating 9/11.
- “Look, I think when you’re sharing your feelings, your sentiments,” — Ted Cruz, cornered MAGA senator — Cruz’s comment on sharing feelings and sentiments.
- “Very dumb and unhappy Fake News CNN ‘reporter,’ Kaitlan Collins (really low ratings, also!), had a panel where discussions were all FICTION AND LIES. You would think that CNN, which is suffering terribly in the TV Ratings, would get rid of their 3rd rate ‘anchors,’ and try to bring credibility back to their once storied network. It is fading FAST!” — Donald Trump, president — Trump’s Truth Social rant targeting Collins.
- “She never smiles. I said, ‘Kaitlan, do you ever smile? Smile!’ You have a nice position; you’re at CNN fake news. You should be a happy person. So smile, Kaitlan! Just smile,” — Donald Trump, president — Trump’s demand that Collins “smile.”
