‘I Was Down There Also,’ Trump Says While Signing 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Bill | NBC New York

President Donald Trump signed the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Bill on Monday in the White House Rose Garden. “I was down there also, but I’m not considering myself a first responder,” he said. Tump was near the site of Ground Zero two days after the 9/11 attacks, according to press accounts at the time. He has also claimed to have paid hundreds of workers to assist in rescue and recovery efforts, claims that have not been verified, Politifact reported. More: President Donald Trump on Monday signed a bill ensuring that a victims' compensation fund related to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks never runs out of money, ending years of legislative gridlock as the number of first responders dying of Ground Zero-related illnesses mounted. Appearing in the Rose Garden with more than 60 first responders from the 2001 terrorist attacks, Trump signed into law an extension of the fund through 2092, essentially making it permanent. "You inspire all of humanity," Trump said of the "true American warriors" who rushed to assist victims that day and searched for remains for months after. The president said that the nation has a "sacred obligation" to care for the responders and their families.