Former President Donald Trump has ignited controversy by attributing the recent fatal air crash in Washington DC to past Democratic policies promoting diversity in aviation. Despite the absence of any investigation findings or concrete evidence, Trump pointed fingers at both air traffic controllers and the helicopter pilot, while authorities believe no survivors emerged from the collision.
Less than 24 hours after the tragic air disaster in Washington DC that claimed the lives of 67 people, former President Donald Trump has attributed the crash to past Democratic policies aimed at promoting diversity in aviation. Without presenting any investigative findings or concrete evidence, Trump suggested that both air traffic controllers and the helicopter pilot could be responsible for the collision.
Authorities believe that no survivors emerged from the crash, which occurred on Wednesday night local time, involving an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army helicopter. Among the passengers on the American Airlines plane, en route to Washington's DCA airport from Wichita, Kansas, was a prominent individual. Meanwhile, a 'fairly experienced' three-person crew aboard the army Black Hawk helicopter was engaged in night-vision goggles training, according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.National Transport Safety Bureau (NTSB) investigator Brice Banning stated that an investigation was underway but emphasized the limited information available at this stage. 'We do not know enough facts to be able to rule in or out, human factor, mechanical factors, that is part of the NTSB investigative process,' Banning explained.Earlier, as recovery efforts continued in the icy waters of the river, Trump asserted: 'We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas, and I think we'll probably state those opinions now.' He subsequently criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring initiatives at the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), suggesting that they had lowered standards among air traffic controllers. 'It doesn't matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are … they have to be talented, naturally talented geniuses. You can't have regular people doing their job,' he stated. Regarding the helicopter, Trump remarked, 'The turn it made was not the correct turn, obviously, and it did somewhat the opposite of what it was told.' Pressed on how he could conclude diversity played a role in the crash, he responded, 'Because I have common sense.' The former president cited what he claimed was an FAA document suggesting individuals with disabilities could qualify for air traffic controller positions. 'We don't know that necessarily it's even the controllers' fault, but one thing we do know, there was a lot of vision, and people should have been able to see,' he stated. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in the Biden administration was among the Democrats criticized by Trump. 'As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying,' Buttigieg posted on X, asserting that Trump had suspended key personnel responsible for ensuring safe skies. The Reuters news agency, citing aides to Buttigieg, reported that the FAA document in question was released in 2013 and remained accessible online throughout Trump's first term as president. Trump campaigned on eliminating DEI initiatives from government and has signed multiple executive orders to implement this pledge
DONALD TRUMP AVIATION DIVERSITY AIR CRASH WASHINGTON DC FAA NTSB
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