President Donald Trump responded to a national tragedy just 11 days into his presidency when a passenger jet collided midair with an Army helicopter, leading to the deaths of dozens of people. Trump bypassed the usual presidential playbook for such events by immediately pointing fingers and attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. His approach drew attention away from the recovery efforts, victims, and investigation of the incident.
Trump’s comments were met with criticism, with a former aviation investigator stating that Trump’s actions went against established standards for responding to such tragedies. The president also blamed former Presidents Obama and Biden, as well as the Democrats, for past diversity programs within the FAA.
Trump was joined by his Cabinet members, who supported his stance against diversity programs in the aviation industry. Trump appointed a new acting FAA commissioner who takes aim at DEI programs, stating that his executive order signed shortly after taking office was meant to restore the highest standards at the FAA.
Despite pushback from various experts in the aviation industry, Trump continued to blame diversity programs, a “pilot problem,” and eyesight issues for the midair collision. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with no formal cause yet determined. Trump’s response to the tragedy was seen as politically motivated and drawing attention away from the victims and their families.
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