9/11 victim’s daughter says Trump’s response ‘felt personal’ as fund runs dry

DALLAS, TEXAS: A daughter who lost her father in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers says President Donald Trump appeared “genuinely empathetic” when she and other families made an urgent plea for federal aid.

Angela Mistrulli, founder of American Victims of State-Sponsored Extremism, met with Trump on Thursday evening, September 10, as families pushed for action on the United States Victims of State Sponsored Fund.

The meeting came as the fund has run dry and Congress faces a September 30 fiscal deadline to provide a path forward.

Angela Mistrulli praises Trump’s empathy for 9/11 families

Mistrulli spoke with Fox News Digital during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, where she and other 9/11 family members, Gold Star families, and families of civilian victims were seeking meetings with political leaders.

She explained that Congress created the USVSST Fund in 2015 as a source of relief for victims and their families.

According to Mistrulli, it has served more than 22,000 victims and provided over $10 billion to people affected by international acts of state-sponsored violence, including families connected to the September 11 attacks.

“Unfortunately, that fund has run dry, and September 30 is the fiscal deadline for Congress to act in order for victims to receive relief,” Mistrulli said.

The approaching deadline has added urgency to the families’ efforts, which came as the country prepared to mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.

Angela Mistrulli shares emotional Trump meeting details

Mistrulli said the families were in Dallas for more than an anniversary commemoration. They also wanted the opportunity to speak directly with political leaders about the future of the fund.

“We are still fighting for justice, transparency, recognition, and relief that Congress promised us,” she said.

After meeting Trump on Thursday night, Mistrulli described his reaction in personal terms.

“Meeting with the president last night, it was clear to me how genuinely empathetic he was to our fight for American victims of state-sponsored extremism. He listened, and I could tell this isn't just a policy issue to him, it felt personal,” she told Fox News Digital. 

Mistrulli said the group is now working with members of the administration on a legislative path forward for the fund.

9/11 anniversary brings painful memories for victims’ families

For Mistrulli, the 25th anniversary has brought a mix of emotions.

Her father was killed when the World Trade Center towers collapsed in New York City during the September 11 attacks.

“This is a hard one this year. 25 years. It feels like forever, but it also feels like yesterday,” she said. Mistrulli also described the continued fight for relief as exhausting after so many years.

The AVSSTU team was invited to participate in the 25th anniversary commemorations in Dallas. 

Mistrulli said the anniversary was also a moment to reflect on how the country has changed since September 12, 2001.

She said she feels the country has become divided and shared a message as families marked the anniversary.

“We have now been divided as a nation and my wish to everyone out there as we commemorate this anniversary, memorialize, never forget by coming back together,” she said.