In the wake of a devastating aviation accident that claimed the lives of all over 65 people on board, President Donald Trump has sparked outrage by suggesting that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices—put in place and upheld by former administrations—”could have been” to blame. His suggestions, although stated without any supporting evidence, come at a time when the nation is grieving and searching for answers.
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Addressing the press at the White House on Thursday, Trump initially expressed condolences before quickly pivoting to blame Democrats and DEI policies within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He explained his belief that the FAA prioritizes diversity over competency, insinuating that disabled individuals are being hired for roles they cannot handle.
“I have common sense … other people don’t…we can’t have regular people doing that job,” Trump said, though investigators have yet to determine the cause of the crash.
Trump’s comments were echoed by Vice President JD Vance.
The crash occurred Wednesday night over Washington, D.C., when a U.S. Army helicopter collided with an American Eagle passenger plane, resulting in a fiery explosion over the Potomac River.
D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly has confirmed that there were no survivors of the plane crash. Despite the ongoing investigation, Trump has continued to push his own narrative, blaming air traffic control and the military helicopter. As the nation mourns, many are calling his remarks not only premature but deeply inappropriate.
Trump’s National Address
Trump Answers Question About DEI
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