Trump Blames Predecessors’ Diversity Policies in Wake of D.C. Air Crash, Vows ‘Highest Standards’

President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of federal diversity initiatives Thursday, linking them to a fatal mid-air collision over the Potomac River while asserting his administration enforces the “highest standards” for aviation safety. The crash, which killed 67 people—including three U.S. soldiers and international passengers—remains under investigation, with no conclusive cause yet determined.

Trump Targets DEI in FAA Hiring

At a combative White House press conference, Trump repeatedly blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs under the Biden administration for compromising Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hiring practices. He cited a now-archived FAA initiative recruiting individuals with disabilities, including “severe intellectual disability” and “partial paralysis,” though the program applied broadly to FAA roles, not specifically air traffic controllers.

“For air traffic control, we want the brightest, smartest, psychologically superior people,” Trump said, claiming prior administrations hired staff with “the opposite” of such standards. He offered no evidence linking DEI policies to the crash but insisted, “I have common sense.”

Investigation Focuses on Helicopter Maneuver

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the military helicopter involved was on a training mission when it collided with an American Airlines jet. “A mistake was made,” Hegseth said, citing a possible “elevation issue” under review. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed Trump’s emphasis on hiring “the best and brightest,” though he provided no specifics.

Trump alleged the helicopter pilot made an “unbelievably bad” turn on a clear night, calling it a “pilot problem.” He referenced air traffic control recordings, claiming the commercial jet followed protocol while the helicopter’s maneuver was “not correct.”

Political Broadside Against Biden, Obama

Trump leveraged the tragedy to tout his recent executive order reinstating “rigorous standards” for air traffic controllers, while lambasting predecessors. He accused the Biden administration of reverting to hiring practices that prioritized “politics over safety” and criticized Barack Obama for allegedly appointing “mediocre” personnel.

The FAA, under Biden, had defended its diversity efforts in 2023, stating all hires “meet rigorous qualifications.” DEI advocates argue such programs address systemic inequities without lowering standards—a point Trump opponents underscored amid his remarks.

International Victims Confirmed

Trump confirmed Russian nationals were among the dead, with other nationalities to be disclosed. “Our hearts are shattered alongside yours,” he said, addressing grieving families. “We’re a nation in mourning.”

The crash marks the first major test of Trump’s return to crisis leadership, blending condolences with political grievances. Critics accused him of politicizing tragedy, while allies framed his stance as a pledge to prioritize meritocracy.

As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leads the investigation, Hegseth vowed transparency: “We will get to the bottom of this.” Recovery efforts continue, with all 67 victims confirmed dead.