Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reflected on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, citing lessons regarding government transparency and public health. In an essay for The Atlantic and a televised interview on Friday, September 11, 2026, Clinton discussed her experiences as a New York senator during the 2001 attacks and criticized the government's subsequent handling of environmental safety data at Ground Zero.
Clinton reported that her primary concern in the days following the attacks was the air quality at the site, noting a distinct smell and taste to the debris-filled air. She referenced an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspector general report from August 2003, which found that White House officials had instructed the agency to reassure the public that the air was safe, despite the presence of toxins. Clinton stated she never identified the specific individual at the White House who issued that instruction.
The interview also addressed ongoing health issues among responders and survivors. Clinton noted that former New York Governor George Pataki was recently diagnosed with restrictive airway disease related to his exposure at Ground Zero. She called for a review of 170,000 pages of city government documents obtained by the group Health Watch to improve screening and health care for others who may develop symptoms in the future.
The issue of government transparency regarding environmental toxins involves how federal agencies like the EPA communicate during public health crises. Clinton argued that the government's desire to reopen Wall Street and restore economic activity led to a failure to provide clear safety warnings, such as recommending masks for those with asthma. This history continues to influence current policy debates regarding the balance between economic recovery and public safety protocols during national emergencies.
What happens next involves the continued analysis of city government records by the group Health Watch to identify gaps in existing care. While no new legislation was detailed in the interview, Clinton emphasized that the public and the government must remain focused on screening those who were exposed to the site. The current administration’s actions regarding international conflicts, such as the war in Iran, also continue to be linked to 9/11 commemorations by President Trump, though Clinton questioned the direct connection between the two.