Following the horrific terror attacks on the World Trade Centers on Sept. 11, 2001, Donald Trump campaigned to have the structures rebuilt with one major modification.
WATCH:
In 2005, long before Donald Trump seriously considered making a run at the White House, he wanted to rebuild the World Trade Center one story higher to show the terrorists responsible for the attack that we would not back down. Additionally, he vociferously opposed the Freedom Tower that has since become a staple of the infamous Manhattan skyline.
JERSEY CITY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 5: Storm clouds pass by lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center at sunset on September 5, 2018 as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
“If we rebuild the World Trade Center in the form of a skeleton — Freedom Tower — the terrorists win,” Trump said in a speech.
NEW YORK – MAY 18: Real estate developer Donald Trump speaks during a news conference presenting a model of a proposed design for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site May 18, 2005 in New York City. Trump proposed a modified rebuilding of the World Trade Center complex, with an updated and taller design and a memorial to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the base of the new towers. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
“It doesn’t represent what we want to have represented. What I want to see built is the World Trade Center stronger and maybe a story taller, and that’s what everybody wants … We should have the World Trade Center bigger and better” he said later in an interview.