Trump Blames Biden’s DEI Policies for Deadly D.C. Plane Crash

“I put safety first. Obama, Biden, and the Democrats put policy first,” he claimed, suggesting that diversity programs had lowered standards within the aviation sector.

Dymon New Ad Dec 5 Test

In the aftermath of a devastating mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, former U.S. President Donald Trump took to the White House press briefing room Thursday morning, attributing blame to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the Biden administration. The tragic incident, which occurred late Wednesday, marks the first major commercial plane crash in the U.S. in over a decade.*

The crash involved American Eagle Flight 5342, a regional jet en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers aboard. Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors, turning the response effort into a recovery mission.

“I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation,” Trump said, commending the “phenomenal job” of first responders who have been working tirelessly to retrieve victims. District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly reported that as of Thursday morning, 27 bodies had been recovered from the wreckage of the plane and one from the helicopter.

While investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash, Trump quickly speculated on potential reasons, criticizing the Biden administration’s approach to aviation safety.

“We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas,” Trump stated, vowing to uncover the circumstances behind the disaster. He then announced the appointment of Christopher Rocheleau as acting commissioner of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

However, Trump’s remarks took a controversial turn when he alleged that DEI-focused hiring policies within the FAA contributed to the tragedy.

“I put safety first. Obama, Biden, and the Democrats put policy first,” he claimed, suggesting that diversity programs had lowered standards within the aviation sector. He specifically criticized an FAA initiative aimed at increasing representation of individuals with disabilities in the aviation workforce.

“Brilliant people have to be in those positions… and you need a very special talent, and a very special genius, to be able to do it,” Trump remarked.

Similar stories
1 of 1,458
Dymon New Ad Dec 5 Test

Trump’s statements were met with immediate backlash, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemning his rhetoric.

“It’s one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracy theories; it’s another for the president of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered and families still being notified,” Schumer said.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who had been sworn in just a day before the crash, reassured the public that the administration is committed to a thorough and swift investigation.

“What happened yesterday shouldn’t have happened,” Duffy stated. “And when Americans take off in airplanes, they should expect to land at their destination.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, also present at the briefing, emphasized that the military would conduct a full review of the circumstances leading to the collision. While acknowledging that the Army Black Hawk crew—comprising a young captain, a staff sergeant, and a chief warrant officer—had been on a routine training mission, he suggested an “elevation issue” may have played a role in the crash.

Emergency crews remain on-site at the Potomac River crash location, working around the clock to recover bodies and critical evidence. While authorities have yet to confirm any link between hiring policies and aviation safety, Trump’s remarks have reignited a heated debate over DEI initiatives in the transportation sector.

Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday night, questioning how such a tragedy could occur under seemingly normal flying conditions.

“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” he posted. “NOT GOOD!!!”

As investigators piece together the events that led to this catastrophe, aviation experts caution against premature speculation, emphasizing the need for a fact-based approach in determining the root cause of the collision.

NEWS

You might also like More from author

Comments are closed.