In the wake of a devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter, President Donald Trump has raised concerns about air safety standards and pointed blame at previous administrations. Speaking from the White House, Trump claimed that the Obama and Biden administrations’ push for diversity in federal hiring practices may have contributed to what he sees as a decline in aviation safety.
During his briefing, Trump expressed his commitment to putting safety first. He said, “Obama, Biden, and the Democrats put policy first, and they issued a directive that said ‘too white,'” referring to their emphasis on diversity in hiring. “We want people who are competent,” Trump added, suggesting that such policies may have compromised the competence of those in positions of responsibility at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Trump also took immediate action by appointing Chris Rocheleau as acting FAA administrator in response to the crash. This move came as part of a broader effort to address aviation safety issues following the tragedy.
The fatal incident occurred late Wednesday when a regional American Airlines jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, DC. The crash took place as the jet was attempting to land at Reagan Washington National Airport. Tragically, all 64 people aboard the American Airlines flight and the three soldiers on the helicopter are presumed dead. Rescue operations have now turned into recovery efforts, with at least 28 bodies recovered from the frigid waters of the Potomac River.
John Donnelly, the fire chief in Washington DC, confirmed the dire situation, stating, “We don’t believe there are any survivors. We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.”
In his address, Trump began by observing a moment of silence to honor the victims of the crash and their grieving families. The loss marks one of the worst aviation disasters in the United States in nearly 25 years.
As the investigation continues, questions about the role of the FAA and the safety of air travel will likely be at the forefront. Trump’s comments about diversity in hiring, while controversial, reflect ongoing debates about the balance between inclusivity and maintaining rigorous standards in critical safety sectors.
With the appointment of a new acting FAA administrator, the Trump administration is signaling a push for greater accountability in aviation oversight, amid a growing call for answers from both the public and the families affected by the crash.
