Determined 9/11 widow puts Trump on the spot over ‘betrayal’ of victims’ families

A prominent advocate for 9/11 victims issued a brutal condemnation of successive U.S. administrations for their “betrayal” of victims’ families, and suggested the Trump administration to be no exception.

“My husband, Tom Strada, you are missed more with each year that passes, but how can it be 25 years and still, we have no justice for the role that Saudi Arabia played in your murder?” said Terry Strada during an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in New York City.

Strada, who lost her husband in the 9/11 attacks, has played an outsized role in efforts to declassify government records and hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its alleged role in the attacks, which recentreports have suggested to be far greater than previously known.

Attending the ceremony were all living former U.S. presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Vice President JD Vance was also in attendance, whereas Trump marked the day at a separate event at the Pentagon.

“Yes, we finally made it into a court and have proved that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia fomented a rancid culture of anti-American terrorism around the globe and then sent its agents to support the radical Islamist hijackers so they could attack you and all of our loved ones,” Strada said, sparking applause and cheers from the audience.

“But for 25 years, administration after administration — including leaders in front of us here today — chose to protect the Saudis instead of standing with the 9/11 families. They withheld evidence… they broke promises, both public and private. It has been one betrayal after another. President Trump can still change that.”

Strada urged Trump to “tell the Saudis to stop lying” and to make clear that they "cannot continue to deny" their alleged role in the attacks. She then directed her attention toward Vance with a request.

“Vice President Vance, thank you for being here today,” Strada said. “Please carry that message back, stand with the families, stand with the survivors, stand with Americans. As my husband Tom would have said, that is always the right thing to do.”

Last year, Strada was more direct with her condemnation of the Trump administration, telling CNN’s Jake Tapper that the president should “be on our side and stop protecting the kingdom over the role that they played.”