President Donald Trump sparked controversy during a news conference Thursday by implying that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies might have contributed to a fatal midair collision over the Potomac River. The crash involved an American Eagle flight and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
Trump, who was addressing the crash for the first time, criticized DEI initiatives, particularly those implemented during the Obama and Biden administrations. He argued that air traffic controllers should be the “smartest” and “most talented” individuals, regardless of their race, stating that “regular people” should not be in such critical roles. Trump further claimed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had lowered standards under the previous administrations in the name of diversity, including recruiting individuals with disabilities for air traffic control positions.
This statement drew sharp criticism from various figures. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics, denied that individuals with profound intellectual disabilities were employed as air traffic controllers, calling Trump’s comments misleading. The NAACP condemned the remarks, accusing Trump of politicizing a tragedy for political gain.
Despite the backlash, Trump stopped short of directly blaming DEI policies for the crash, saying only that diversity initiatives “may have” played a role. He later emphasized that air traffic controllers must meet the highest standards, regardless of their background. The crash investigation is still ongoing, and experts have cautioned against jumping to conclusions without evidence.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who served under Biden, slammed Trump’s comments as “despicable,” urging the president to lead instead of spreading falsehoods. Aviation experts, including John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, rejected the idea that DEI policies had any impact on the safety of air traffic controllers or pilots.
The debate has reignited discussions about the role of DEI in government hiring practices and whether such policies may undermine public safety. The crash investigation is continuing, and authorities have promised a thorough review of all factors involved.
