President Donald Trump is looking to take over a revered New York City non-profit organization that has become fraught with controversy.
The New York Times reported that Trump is looking to gain control of the hallowed 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Downtown Manhattan.
Families of 9/11 victims have slammed the institution over funding and management issues.
Two White House officials told the Times that preliminary discussions about a takeover have begun.
Some 9/11 families have criticized the museum for years, pointing to high ticket prices and salaries for museum officials.
Families have also questioned where to keep the unidentified remains of some victims of the attacks.
Trump has met with some relatives and expressed sympathy for their concerns.
The New York Post reported that museum president and CEO Beth Hillman earned $856,216 in total compensation during 2024—a 63% raise in two years.
The museum’s next four top executives earned between $432,958 and $486,298. Last year, the museum generated nearly $69 million in general revenues.
Admission to the memorial and museum is $36 for adults. Tickets that include tours cost up to $56.
The site offers free tickets to the families of 9/11 victims and to active or retired U.S. service members.
There is also free admission exclusively to New Yorkers on the first Sunday of the month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Museum officials rejected the takeover possibility.
“At a time when the federal government is working to cut costs, assuming the full operating expenses for the site makes no sense,” Hillman told the Times.
Museum spokesman Marc La Vorgna said, “We are certain there is nothing in existing law that would give the federal government the unilateral ability to take the site over.”
It remains unclear how exactly the federal government would assume control.
Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign suggested designating the 9/11 Memorial and Museum as a national monument.
Trump at a rally last September said he wanted to ensure the “hallowed ground” where 9/11 terrorist attacks took place and the memory of those who perished would be “preserved for all time.”
Trump caused controversy earlier this year by taking control of the board of the fabled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Trump has also taken control of the stalled renovation of Penn Station in New York City.
The story about the 9/11 Memorial and Museum was picked up by the 6sqft.com website.
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