Trump Attacks DEI Programs at FAA Following Midair Collision

President says ‘pilot problem,’ hiring contributed to crash
White House has prioritized dismantling diversity programs

Donald Trump speaks during a news conference on Jan. 30. — Donald Trump speaks during a news conference on Jan. 30.
Photographer: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg

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By Akayla Gardner, Skylar Woodhouse, and Allyson Versprille

January 30, 2025 at 5:25 PM UTC

Updated on

January 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM UTC

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President Donald Trump quickly politicized the air collision between an American Airlines Group Inc. regional jet and a military helicopter, blaming diversity, equity and inclusion programs for the most deadly US commercial airline accident in over a decade.

Trump said he didn’t know the true cause of the deadly crash, but said he had opinions, reaching for his familiar attack on diversity initiatives. When pressed for evidence, Trump credited his conclusion to “common sense.”