Washington, D.C., January 31, 2025 – The Europe Today: President Donald Trump has attributed diversity hiring initiatives implemented by the previous administration to declining air safety, following a fatal midair collision near Washington Reagan National Airport. The accident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, involved a commercial flight from Wichita, Kansas, and a U.S. Army helicopter, resulting in an estimated 67 fatalities.
Speaking from the White House briefing room on Thursday, Trump acknowledged that it was too early to determine the cause of the crash but asserted that “some really bad things happened and some things happened that shouldn’t have happened.” As the federal investigation commenced and first responders continued recovery efforts in the Potomac River, the president urged the nation to pray for the victims.
Trump criticized former President Joe Biden’s administration, alleging that its diversity and inclusion initiatives within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compromised air safety. He claimed that these programs facilitated the hiring of individuals with “severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions,” including hearing and vision impairments, paralysis, epilepsy, and dwarfism.
Despite these assertions, Trump provided no evidence that unqualified individuals were placed in critical roles such as air traffic control. He also conceded that there was no immediate indication of errors by air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport in connection to the crash.
Trump Questions Pilot’s Actions and Air Traffic Control Decisions
Trump also questioned the actions of the U.S. Army helicopter pilot, wondering if they were using night-vision goggles and whether the helicopter’s angle was appropriate. He suggested that “you had a pilot problem” and that the aircraft was “going at an angle that was unbelievably bad.” He further speculated on why the pilot did not adjust course, asserting that “you can stop a helicopter very quickly.”
The president also scrutinized air traffic controllers, noting that both aircraft were at the same elevation, which he deemed avoidable. “For whatever reason, they were at the same elevation. They should have been at a different height,” he said.
Political Reactions and Policy Shifts
Democrats swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized his willingness to speculate on the cause of the crash, stating, “It’s one thing for internet pundits to spew conspiracy theories, it’s another for the president of the United States.”
Conversely, several members of Trump’s administration defended his stance. Vice President JD Vance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump’s concerns regarding diversity hiring practices.
“When you don’t have the best standards in who you’re hiring, it means you’re not getting the best people in government,” Vance stated. “But on the other hand, it puts stresses on the people who are already there.”
Duffy, who had been sworn in as Transportation Secretary on Tuesday, joined Trump at the White House podium and reaffirmed his commitment to air safety. “When Americans take off in airplanes, they should expect to land at their destination,” he declared, emphasizing that the administration “will not accept excuses.”
In response to these concerns, Trump signed an executive order last week terminating diversity initiatives at the FAA.
Ongoing Investigations and Aviation Industry Challenges
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, with NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasizing the need for a fact-based approach. “We look at facts in our investigation, and that will take some time,” she said.
Aviation experts have long warned about challenges facing the air traffic control system, citing staff shortages, outdated technology, and competitive pay concerns as ongoing risks. A 2023 report recommended increased investments in staffing, equipment, and modernization efforts to enhance air safety.
As the investigation unfolds, the administration’s response to the tragedy is expected to remain a focal point in national discussions on aviation policy and safety regulations.