Washington, D.C. – In the wake of a tragic mid-air collision over the Potomac River that claimed the lives of 64 people, President Donald Trump addressed the nation, mourning the victims while also taking aim at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) diversity hiring policies. The crash involved an American Airlines regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, which collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on final approach to Reagan National Airport.
Speaking from the White House, President Trump called the incident “a real tragedy of terrible proportions” and emphasized that the federal government, military, and emergency services had mobilized immediately for search and rescue operations. Sadly, there were no survivors.
In his remarks, Trump suggested that the hiring practices of the FAA, which he claims were altered under the Biden administration to prioritize diversity and inclusion over merit, may have played a role in the disaster. He stated, “We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” asserting that under his first administration, he had raised hiring standards for air traffic controllers, only for them to be reversed by President Biden.
Trump specifically pointed to FAA policies that include recruiting individuals with disabilities as part of a broader diversity and inclusion initiative. “They want people with severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions to be air traffic controllers. I don’t think so,” he said.
While acknowledging that a full investigation is still underway, Trump stated, “We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas.” He reiterated that his administration had recently signed an executive order to reinstate strict qualification requirements for air traffic controllers.
Trump Criticize Pete Buttigieg and the Department of Transportation
The president directed sharp criticism at Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, calling him “a disaster” and blaming his leadership for the state of aviation safety in the U.S. “He’s run the Department of Transportation into the ground with his diversity policies,” Trump said.
Trump further cited reports that under Buttigieg’s tenure, FAA diversity hiring efforts increased, allegedly prioritizing demographic factors over competence. “They wanted to change the makeup of the workforce immediately, saying it was too white,” Trump asserted.
Political Backlash and Public Response
Trump’s remarks have already sparked backlash from political opponents and aviation experts. Critics argue that the former president is politicizing a national tragedy before the official investigation has been concluded. They also point out that FAA hiring policies related to diversity date back to before Biden’s administration, including during Trump’s own presidency.
Aviation experts caution against drawing conclusions too soon. “There is no evidence at this stage that diversity hiring played any role in this crash,” said retired pilot and safety analyst John Mitchell. “Investigations take time, and we should be focused on facts, not political rhetoric.”
Trump, however, doubled down on his stance, stating, “We will get to the bottom of this, and we will make American air travel the safest in the world again.”
FAA and NTSB Investigations Underway
The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the U.S. military are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Newly appointed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy assured the public that the administration would uncover the causes of the accident swiftly. “This should not have happened,” Duffy stated, echoing the president’s concerns. “We will not accept excuses or delays in finding out the truth.”
Trump also announced the appointment of Christopher Roselo, a 22-year veteran of the FAA, as Acting Commissioner, promising a renewed focus on safety and competency emphasizing his administration’s commitment to reversing what he calls “dangerous diversity policies. “We need people of superior intellect and talent handling our air traffic system. It’s not about what someone looks like or who they are—it’s about aptitude,” he said.
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within weeks, with a final determination potentially taking months. Meanwhile, families of the victims are mourning their losses, with several international passengers among the deceased.
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