This documentary examines the struggles faced by first responders at Ground Zero, many of whom suffer ongoing health issues due to exposure to toxic materials. Truth Rising exposes and questions the government's apparent disregard for the bravery of these first responders, police, and firefighters. The film criticizes the administrations of Rudy Giuliani and the EPA, led by Christine Todd Whitman, for asserting that the air in lower Manhattan was safe to breathe, despite widespread warnings to the contrary.