Trump blames diversity policies for Washington DC plane crash

Despite no evidence, US President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed federal diversity policies by predecessors Joe Biden and Barack Obama for a deadly plane crash near Washington DC. The collision, involving a regional jet and a US Army helicopter, killed 67 people, marking the deadliest US air disaster in over two decades.

The crash occurred as American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter while preparing to land at Reagan Washington Airport. The Bombardier CRJ-700 jet carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board.

Although there was no clarity on the reasons behind the collision, Sean Duffy, US Transportation Secretary, according to a Reuters report stated that both aircraft were following standard flight patterns, and there was no communication breakdown.

According to the radio communications, the air traffic controllers reportedly ordered the helicopter to change course as they were alerted about the approach.

At a White House news conference, Trump criticised the helicopter pilots and questioned whether air traffic controllers were at fault. He also implied that diversity hiring at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) might have weakened safety standards.

"We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas," Trump said as quoted by Reuters.

When asked if diversity hiring caused the crash, he replied, "It just could have been." No evidence has been provided to support these claims.

Trump has opposed federal diversity initiatives since taking office, drawing criticism from rights advocates who argue he is reversing progress on inclusion.

He referenced a 2013 FAA document stating that physical and mental disabilities would not disqualify applicants from air traffic control positions. Biden administration officials confirmed the document was published during Trump's first term and remained online.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg condemned Trump's remarks in his X post, calling them "despicable". "As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying," Buttigieg's response to Trump's claims.

The cause of the crash remains unclear. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said the jet's pilot had six years of experience, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the helicopter crew as "fairly experienced." The helicopter was on a training flight, and the Army has grounded other flights of the unit involved.

Passengers on the jet included ice skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a training camp in Wichita, Kansas. Among them were Russian-born former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The skating community mourned the loss, with Doug Zeghibe of the Skating Club of Boston calling the victims "family."

Air traffic control recordings captured the final moments before the crash. A controller instructed the helicopter to avoid the jet, but the collision occurred shortly after. Witnesses described seeing a fireball and explosion.

The crash is the deadliest US aviation incident since 2001. Reagan Airport, located near the White House and Pentagon, is one of the busiest in the country, with a history of accidents and near-miss incidents. Officials have raised concerns about crowded airspace and a shortage of air traffic controllers.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin confirmed most victims' bodies have been recovered, and investigators have retrieved one of the plane's black boxes. The Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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