The President of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed his condolences for the victims of the tragic plane crash that occurred in Washington. Trump described the last hours as a "dark and exhausting night" after a military helicopter and a commercial plane collided and fell into the Potomac River, with a total of 67 people on board.
In a statement at the White House, Trump lamented the tragedy and stated that the entire nation is in mourning. The president indicated that they are "overwhelmed by the pain of so many who have tragically perished and will no longer be with us".
In addition to expressing his condolences, Trump blamed the air traffic controller hiring standards established by previous administrations, particularly emphasizing the diversity programs implemented by the Obama and Biden administrations. He criticized the hiring of workers with disabilities, mental and physical issues, under the pretext of diversity and inclusion.
The president announced the appointment of Chris Rocheleau, with extensive experience in the FAA, as the new administrator of the agency. Trump committed to dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that he considers inappropriate.
The plane crash, which claimed the lives of 28 people, was described by Trump as a "confluence of bad decisions". The flight paths of both the helicopter and the commercial plane were questioned, despite the optimal flying conditions they were in.
Ronald Reagan Washington Airport had to temporarily close after the accident, but reopened its operations the following day. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of this tragic incident that has shocked the nation.
