Trump Links Fatal Air Crash to DEI Policies, Appoints New FAA Head Amid Controversy

President Donald Trump on Thursday, January 30, 2025, controversially attributed a recent mid-air collision in Washington to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The President made these claims in the wake of a tragic incident where an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Addressing reporters from the White House briefing room, Trump asserted that “Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first,” suggesting that DEI policies under previous Democratic administrations compromised safety standards. He signed an executive order appointing Christopher Rocheleau, a 22-year FAA veteran, as acting commissioner and a second order aimed at reversing “Biden administration’s DEI and woke policies.”

Despite ongoing investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Trump speculated on the crash’s cause, stating, “we don’t know” what caused it, but adding, “It just could have been.” This stance was echoed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, who also criticized DEI programs.

However, former FAA officials and safety experts have countered Trump’s claims, stating that DEI programs do not apply to air traffic control hiring, which relies on stringent medical, aptitude, and psychological tests. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy declined to comment on DEI as a factor, confirming that the investigation would examine all human, machine, and environmental elements.

The President’s comments drew sharp criticism, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg calling them “despicable” and “lying” during a period of national grief. Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly condemned Trump’s remarks as “dangerous, racist, and ignorant,” accusing him of politicizing a tragedy and cutting committees responsible for aviation security.

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