President Donald Trump faced significant backlash on social media Tuesday following remarks he made about Welles Crowther, a hero of the September 11th terrorist attacks. During a Steele Across America event at the White House, Trump commented on Crowther's renown.
"They were sure they were going to die. Then suddenly, a rescuer appeared. They call him the man in the red bandana. Have you heard that term? The man in the red bandana has become more famous than me. I don’t like it. Very unhappy, but he’s become much more famous than me," Trump stated.
Welles Crowther, an equities trader and volunteer firefighter, was 24 when he died in the South Tower of the World Trade Center after United Airlines Flight 175 struck. He is credited with rescuing 18 people, guiding them to safety from the 78th floor.
Crowther's heroism gained public attention in a 2002 New York Times article where survivors described being led to safety by a man with a red bandana. His mother identified him as her son, noting he had carried a red handkerchief since childhood.
During the White House ceremony, Trump posthumously awarded Crowther the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Critics on social media responded sharply to Trump's comments, with many accusing the president of making the event about himself. Others urged the public not to let Trump's remarks overshadow Crowther's actions.