Washington, D.C.: Former President Donald Trump, without citing evidence, suggested on Thursday that the recent midair collision of two aircraft in Washington, D.C., was linked to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) diversity hiring initiatives. The comments, made during a White House press conference, sparked sharp criticism from aviation experts, disability rights advocates, and Democratic lawmakers.
The crash, which occurred Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport, involved a commercial passenger jet on approach and a U.S. Army helicopter conducting a training flight. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 64 passengers aboard the jet and three soldiers in the helicopter, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in over two decades. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, with no indication thus far that diversity hiring policies played any role.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Trump used the briefing to target the FAA, alleging that its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives compromised air safety.
"The FAA diversity push includes hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing," Trump stated. "They want them in air traffic control."
When asked to provide evidence linking DEI policies to the crash, Trump responded, "Because I have common sense." He further asserted that air traffic controllers should be of the "highest level of genius."
A former FAA official, speaking to Reuters, dismissed the claims, emphasizing that all air traffic controllers must undergo rigorous mental and physical assessments before being hired.
Criticism From Aviation and Civil Rights Groups
Trump’s remarks drew immediate condemnation from aviation safety experts, government officials, and advocacy groups.
"Blaming a catastrophic aviation accident on individuals with disabilities and diversity programs is not only unfounded but also deeply harmful," said James Ward, founder of ADA Watch and the Coalition for Disability Rights & Justice. "It is ableist, bigoted, and puts a target on the backs of people with disabilities."
Anthony Brickhouse, an aviation safety expert, refuted any link between DEI initiatives and air traffic control standards.
"Accident investigations focus on human factors, mechanical issues, and environmental conditions," Brickhouse explained. "This isn’t the time for political rhetoric or baseless accusations."
Trump Expands Efforts to Dismantle DEI Programs
Later on Thursday, Trump issued an executive memorandum directing his administration to review and roll back diversity programs in aviation safety roles. This follows his recent order eliminating all federal offices and positions dedicated to DEI initiatives, placing affected employees on paid leave ahead of planned closures.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who oversaw the FAA under President Joe Biden, also responded to Trump’s claims.
"Despicable. As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying," Buttigieg wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is conducting the investigation into the crash, declined to comment on Trump's allegations.
"As with all investigations, we examine human factors, mechanical integrity, and environmental conditions," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said. "We deal with facts, and that process takes time."
The FAA has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Trump’s statements.
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