NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump wasted little time this week trying to assign blame for the nation’s deadliest air disaster in more than two decades. Among his chief targets: An FAA diversity hiring initiative he suggested had undermined the agency’s effectiveness.
During a news conference on Thursday, Trump asserted, “But certainly for an air traffic controller, we want the brightest, the smartest, the sharpest. We want somebody that's psychologically superior.” This statement came just days after the tragic collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives.
Despite Trump’s contentious assertion, there has been no evidence linking the FAA’s diversity rules to the events of Wednesday’s crash. His remarks sparked immediate backlash, especially since investigators have not focused on diversity hiring or disabilities as potential factors contributing to the incident.
Trump's comments directly connect to his broader critique of diversity programs, which he has been vocal about, particularly since signing executive orders to ban such initiatives across federal agencies. This included specific measures affecting the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administrator.
Critics were quick to respond. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy stated, “We look at all factors in any investigation—human, machine, and environment.” Her remarks underscored the complexity of air safety investigations and the necessity of avoiding oversimplified claims.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, who famously lost both legs during her military service, condemned Trump’s assertions, pointing out the grief still affecting families of crash victims: “There are still bodies being pulled from the Potomac River. Families are grieving the loss of loved ones. Yet Donald Trump is baselessly blaming DEI for last night’s tragic collision.”
Similarly, Sen. Ruben Gallego characterized Trump’s remarks as misplaced, declaring, “DEI did not cause this tragedy.” Such strong responses signify the political ramifications attached to Trump’s controversial remarks.
The FAA has faced challenges related to air traffic controller shortages, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to heightened concerns among aviation experts and safety authorities. It isn’t the first time diversity initiatives have faced scrutiny. The FAA’s efforts predate the Biden administration, with diversity hiring practices established as early as 2013, including during Trump’s first term.
The FAA maintains its programs seek candidates from diverse backgrounds to fill mission-critical roles, providing equal opportunity. Michael Whitaker, former FAA administrator, emphasized the agency's commitment to public safety: “The FAA seeks qualified candidates from various sources who must meet rigorous qualifications.” This statement reinforces the credibility of the FAA’s existing recruitment measures against Trump’s claims.
Despite pushback from aviation specialists, the narrative around diversity initiatives continues to be contentious. Many observers have noted how Trump and some of his allies appear to be exploiting tragedies for political leverage, reminiscent of previous incidents where diversity initiatives have been blamed for crises without substantial evidence.
The FAA’s own reports reveal slow progress toward diversifying its workforce, with the 2023 report indicating over 80% of air traffic controllers are male, and only about 30% of employees identify as racial minorities. Meanwhile, suggestions of hiring based on diversity policies have never implied compromising professional qualifications.
Calls for accountability rang through the halls of Congress following Trump’s remarks, with Senator Dick Durbin asserting, “The American people deserve real answers, not narcissistic speculations.” This response reflects broader societal frustrations over accountability following serious incidents.
While Trump seeks to draw political connections between the FAA’s diversity hiring and the tragic crash, the reality remains far more complex, highlighting the importance of relying on factual investigations rather than unsubstantiated blame. The aviation community, safety regulators, and high-profile lawmakers continue to call for responsible discourse surrounding such serious matters.