Washington – As the nation re -participated in the deadliest American aviation disaster in more than two decades, President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed the diversity initiative to reduce air security and by a US Army helicopter Pilot Questioned the works. ,
Sixty-seven people are believed to have died in an accident on Wednesday evening, which took place during a flight from Wichita, Kansas, landing at Washington Reagan National Airport. As Trump said, the federal investigation was just beginning and the first respondents were still working to fix the bodies from the Potomac River.
The authorities have not yet formally established the reasons for the collision, and Trump himself admitted that it was to conclude very soon as he encouraged the country to pray for the victims. But he quickly moved to engage in speculation and political attacks, in a moment when Americans traditionally look at the President’s post for comfort, assurance and facts.
“Some bad things happened and some things that should not have happened,” the Republican President told the White House briefing room, more than three miles or five kilometers from the disaster scene.
Trump blamed former President Joe Biden’s administration for encouraging the federal aviation administration to recruit “who suffer under severe intellectual disability, psychiatry problems and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusive recruitment initiative. . ” He said that people were allowed to listen to the program with paralysis, epilepsy and “dwarfism” along with issues of vision and vision issues.
Trump did not share any evidence that unqualified people were being placed in important positions such as air traffic control, and he admitted that there was no indication that air traffic controllers made any mistake at Reagan National Airport.
Asked why he was taking the initiative of diversity, Trump said, “Because I have general knowledge, and unfortunately do not do many people.”
Trump said air traffic controllers need to be fantastic to ensure security.
He said, “He should have talented, naturally talented talent.” “You can’t do your work regularly.”
Trump specifically complained about Pete Butgieg, who was Biden’s Transport Secretary and a contenders to challenge Trump for the White House in 2020, called him “a disaster”.
“He runs it correctly in the ground with his diversity,” Trump said.
Buttigieg replied in a post on X, called Trump’s comments “low”.
He said, “In the form of grief of families, Trump should be a leader, not lie,” he said.
For example, to underline Trump’s talk, the White House invited reporters to the oval office to ask them to sign another executive order that the officials said that the officials said that the federal aviation would stop “awakened policies” in federal aviation. . Trump had already signed an executive order in FAA last week ending the diversity initiative in FAA.
“We want the most capable people,” Trump said. “We don’t care what they race.”
Asked if he plans to go to the accident site, Trump said he would meet the family members of the victims.
“What is a site?” Water? Do you want me to go swimming? The President said.
The aircraft accident was Trump’s first major disaster in the new term, and his response developed briefing on his frequent-and controversial-Covid-19 epidemic. He was helped by citrus voters by handling the epidemic as he failed to win the reunion in 2020.
After telling the families of the deceased that “our hearts are shattered with you” and, leading a moment of silence, Trump proceeded to speculate what happened. “We don’t know what happened due to this accident, but we have some strong opinions,” he said.
Trump wondered if the helicopter pilot was wearing nightvision goggles, announced that “you had a pilot problem” and the helicopter was going to an angle that was incredibly bad. ” He questioned why the army pilot did not change the syllabus, saying “You can stop a helicopter very quickly.”
He also said about air traffic controllers, said about two aircraft, “Whatever reasons they were at the same height,” saying that “they should have been at a different height.”
Even when Trump considered publicly for the accident, the National Transport Safety Board was more operational as it starts investigating what happened.
The board chair, Jennifer Homendi said, “We look at the facts on our investigation, and it will take some time.”
Democrats criticized Trump’s comment on Thursday.
“This is one thing to spew the principles of conspiracy for internet pundits, it is another for the President of the United States,” said the Senate Democratic Leader Chak Shumor of New York.
Vice President JD Vance, Transport Secretary Scene Dafi and Defense Secretary PT Hegseth all prepared to commence their leadership and resonate their concerns about diversity programs and work.
“When you do not have the best standard, in which you are hiring, it means that on one hand, you are not getting the best people in the government,” Vance said, “but on the other hand, it puts stress The people who are already there.
Trump created a point to tell Dafi, which was sworn in as a replacement of butgieg on Tuesday, “It’s not your fault.” Dafi took the White House Podium with Trump and announced, “When flying in American airplanes, they should expect to land on their destination.” Dafi said, “We will not accept excuses.”
Federal officials have been concerned about an overtox and intelligent air traffic control system for years, especially after a series of calls close to aircraft at American airports. He has cited issues with competitive salary, long -term, intensive training and compulsory retirement to contribute to staff shortage.
“While these incidents are incredibly rare, our security system is showing clear signs of stress that we cannot ignore,” Homendi told MPs in 2023. Aviation experts released a report around the same time stating that the FAA needs better staffing, equipment and technology.