WASHINGTON (AP/Gray News) – President Donald Trump questioned the actions of the helicopter pilot and air traffic controller and cast political blame on the previous Democratic administration during a press conference about the fatal collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter.
Trump began the press conference with a moment of silence for the victims, calling it an “hour of anguish” for the country.
“As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly,” Trump said.
Sixty-four people were on the passenger plane when it collided with an Army helicopter Wednesday night near Reagan Washington National Airport. All of them, along with the three soldiers in the helicopter, were feared dead.
As Trump spoke, the U.S. military and National Transportation Board began their federal investigation as crews continued to work to recover bodies from the wreckage in the Potomac River.
During the press conference, Trump cast blame on the previous Biden and Obama administrations, despite acknowledging the cause of the crash is unknown.
“We do not know what led to this crash but we have some very strong opinions,” he said.
Trump complained specifically about Pete Buttigieg, who served as transportation secretary under former President Joe Biden. He stated that Buttigieg had run the department “right into the ground with his diversity.”
Buttigieg responded on social media, calling Trump’s comments “despicable,” adding that “As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying.”
Trump also stated diversity hiring efforts at the Federal Administration had led to slipping standards. Trump claimed the FAA is “actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative.”
Trump said that he had no evidence to support his claims, saying that “it just could have been.”
He also faulted the air traffic controller and helicopter pilot without evidence.
Trump declared that “you had a pilot problem” and the helicopter was “going at an angle that was unbelievably bad,” despite the federal investigation having only just begun. At one point, he wondered if the helicopter pilot was wearing night vision goggles.
Vice President JD Vance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke during the press conference, echoing Trump’s concerns.
Trump suggested that he might make changes at the federal aviation agencies, including firing “if we find that people aren’t competent.”
Despite the crash, Trump said he “would not hesitate to fly.”
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