A tragic air crash in Washington, D.C., has left 67 people dead after an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River. The crash occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and no survivors have been reported.
Among the victims were young figure skaters returning from a training camp and a three-person helicopter crew.
As the nation mourns, President Donald Trump has faced criticism for his response. On Truth Social, Trump questioned the actions of the helicopter pilots and air traffic controllers, suggesting the crash could have been prevented.
He also blamed Democratic policies, particularly diversity hiring initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for lowering safety standards.
Trump’s comments sparked backlash from Democrats and others. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called his remarks “despicable,” while many on social media criticized Trump for shifting blame instead of offering condolences.
Some pointed to Trump’s recent firing of FAA officials and air traffic controllers as a potential factor in the crash.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with no official conclusions yet about the cause. Meanwhile, critics argue that Trump’s administration has weakened federal agencies responsible for public safety, including the FAA.
