Trump Attributes Deadly Aircraft Accident with 67 Casualties to DEI in Unexpected Press Meeting
In a chaotic press conference on Thursday, President Trump pointed fingers at DEI policies and diversity hiring as potential factors in the midair collision that claimed the lives of 67 individuals, involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter. Trump accused former administrations of hiring unqualified individuals for air traffic control positions and stated that his administration prioritizes hiring the brightest, sharpest, and psychologically superior individuals for such roles.
During the press conference, the president reiterated that the helicopter should have been at a different altitude, but also placed blame on DEI policies. Reporters from CNN and other outlets questioned Trump's claims, prompting him to accuse them of asking "stupid" questions.
Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth backed Trump's sentiments during the event, while newly-confirmed Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy insisted on taking responsibility for addressing safety issues and implementing administration-driven reforms.
A hiring freeze for air traffic controllers was initiated by Trump's administration in its early days, raising concerns about safety and staffing shortages. Despite these controversial decisions, Trump signed an executive order promising to undo the alleged negative consequences of DEI and "woke" policies in the federal government, later appointing Christopher Rocheleau as acting commissioner of the FAA.
Critics argue that the incident was likely unrelated to the hiring freeze and DEI issues, as many unresolved factors contributing to the crash have yet to be uncovered. Rep. Sam Graves, overseeing the FAA in the House, emphasized the necessity of patience until the NTSB completes its investigation, regarding DEI as unlikely to have played a role in the incident.
In response to the press conference, tech enthusiasts discussed the potential impact of advanced technology and innovative solutions on improving air traffic control safety in the future. The president's administration also highlighted their commitment to prioritizing tech-savvy individuals for air traffic control roles, emphasizing the importance of tech in streamlining operations and minimizing human error.
