A tragic DC plane crash on Wednesday night claimed the lives of all 67 people on board. The collision involved an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. As investigators search for answers, President Donald Trump has linked the disaster to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies—without providing evidence.
DC Plane Crash: What Happened?
The accident occurred just before 9 p.m. ET near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The commercial jet had 64 passengers, while three soldiers were in the Black Hawk. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
Hundreds of first responders rushed to the scene. By Thursday morning, officials confirmed 28 bodies had been recovered. The response has now shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation.
This is the deadliest U.S. air accident since November 2001, when American Airlines Flight 587 crashed in Queens, New York, killing 265 people.
Trump Links Crash to DEI Policies
Speaking at the White House, Trump offered condolences but quickly turned political. He suggested DEI policies in aviation “could have been” responsible for the crash. However, he did not provide any supporting evidence.
Trump criticized a reporter who questioned his claims, accusing the Biden administration of reversing his aviation safety policies. He also read excerpts from articles attacking FAA diversity programs, pointing to hiring practices for individuals with disabilities.
However, research shows these policies have existed since at least 2013, including during Trump’s first term.
FAA Leadership Changes Following the DC Plane Crash
At the time of the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not have a permanent leader. Former administrator Mike Whitaker stepped down on January 20, the day Trump took office. Since then, Christopher Rocheleau has been serving as the FAA’s deputy administrator.
On Thursday, Trump announced Rocheleau would be appointed as “acting commissioner” of the FAA. However, critics argue the administration should have filled the top role sooner.
Political Fallout and Buttigieg’s Response
Trump also took aim at Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary under Biden, calling him a “disaster.” Buttigieg responded on X (formerly Twitter), calling Trump’s remarks “despicable” and accusing him of failing to take responsibility.
Buttigieg pointed out that during his time in office, there were zero commercial airline crash fatalities despite millions of flights. He also accused Trump of firing key aviation safety personnel after taking office.
DC Plane Crash Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA have launched an investigation into the DC plane crash. Officials have not yet determined the cause, and it could take months before a final report is released.
While Trump has blamed DEI efforts, aviation experts say pilot error, mechanical failure, or miscommunication with air traffic control are more likely causes.
For now, the nation mourns the victims as investigators search for answers.
