Trump Sparks Outrage by Suggesting DEI Policies Contributed to Fatal Midair Collision
President's Comments on Diversity Hiring Draw Criticism Amid Ongoing Investigation
President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding a fatal midair collision over the Potomac River have sparked outrage, with the president insinuating that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies could be a contributing factor to the tragedy. His comments came during his first news conference since the incident, which involved an American Eagle flight and an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night.
“We need the smartest people as air traffic controllers,” Trump said Thursday morning. “It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they speak, or who they are. They must be naturally talented, geniuses. We can’t have regular people doing this job.” The president also criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its DEI initiatives, particularly under Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, which he claimed had lowered the standards for air traffic controllers.
Trump pointed to a statement made by the FAA that acknowledged the underrepresentation of employees with disabilities in its workforce, even suggesting that people with severe intellectual disabilities were being recruited for air traffic control positions. “I don’t think so,” Trump said, questioning the suitability of individuals with disabilities in such critical roles. A White House memo later confirmed that the Biden administration had included individuals with intellectual disabilities in FAA hiring efforts under DEI initiatives.
Timothy Shriver, the chairman of the Special Olympics, quickly responded on social media, clarifying that no individuals with profound intellectual disabilities currently work as air traffic controllers. Despite the lack of evidence, Trump persisted in linking the incident to diversity hiring policies, although he stopped short of directly blaming DEI for the crash.
The former president also criticized former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, labeling his tenure a “disaster,” and attacked both the Obama and Biden administrations for policies he claimed sought to address workforce diversity by reducing hiring standards. “A group within the FAA determined that the workforce was too white, then they had concerted efforts to get the administration to change that,” Trump said, referring to the Obama-era push for greater diversity.
The crash, which tragically claimed the lives of all aboard, involved an American Eagle flight with 60 passengers and four crew members colliding midair with an Army helicopter. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later confirmed that the accident occurred during routine military retraining flights.
Trump’s comments were met with swift backlash, especially from those within the DEI community. Reed Kimbrough, a former Army helicopter pilot and DEI consultant, described the remarks as “jarring” and criticized Trump for politicizing the tragedy. “To say those things without any factual basis, while families are grieving, is disturbing,” Kimbrough said. NAACP President Derrick Johnson also condemned the remarks, accusing Trump of sowing division for political gain.
While Trump attempted to clarify his position later, suggesting that incompetence, rather than DEI policies, may have contributed to the crash, he reiterated his belief that air traffic controllers must meet the highest standards of competence. The White House memo released later linked the accident to previous DEI efforts, emphasizing the need for merit-based hiring and prioritizing safety.
The comments from Trump have reignited the ongoing debate about DEI policies within the FAA and other federal agencies. Although there is no evidence to support claims that DEI hiring practices have led to safety concerns, aviation experts have emphasized that air traffic controllers and pilots must adhere to rigorous safety standards. John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, stated, “The standards have never changed. There’s no evidence that pilots or controllers were substandard, and to allege otherwise is premature and unfounded.”
In response to Trump’s comments, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called them “despicable” and criticized the former president for spreading misinformation instead of providing leadership. “As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying,” Buttigieg said.
Aviation safety remains a priority, with ongoing investigations into the cause of the crash. Billy Nolen, acting FAA administrator under President Biden, emphasized that the focus must be on ensuring safety and transparency in the investigation.
Despite the controversy, some argue that dismantling DEI programs would only exacerbate existing challenges in the aviation industry. Tennesse Garvey, a pilot and advocate for diversity in aviation, pointed out that there has been no proof that DEI programs pose a safety risk. “If there’s something wrong with aviation in America, how can DEI be the problem?” he asked.
The incident continues to unfold, and with investigations still underway, the focus remains on uncovering the cause of the crash and ensuring the highest standards of safety for all in the aviation industry.