Quotes
We do not know what led to this crash, but we have some very strong opinions and ideas, and I think we'll probably state those opinions now, because over the years I've watched as things like this happen and they say, well, we're always investigating. And then the investigation, three years later, they announce it,
Trump said, going on to detail an investigation including the FAA, Department of Defense and the National Transportation Safety Board
As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying,
Buttigieg continuedWe have to have our smartest people. It doesn't matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are. What matters is intellect, talent. The word talent. They have to be talented geniuses,
he continuedThe FAA is actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative spelled out on the agency's website,
he saidWe must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,
Trump said
Do I think this was preventable? Absolutely,
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said
We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly saidThe air traffic controller said, 'Do you see... Do you see him?' But there was very little time left when that was stated,
the president added, blaming a "confluence of bad decisions."I just saw a fireball and it was gone,
one air traffic controller was heard telling a colleague after communication with the helicopter was cutHe's run it right into the ground with his diversity,
Trump said
It's not a smart question
On Thursday, Trump also clashed with the network's Chief White House Correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, answering her question stating
With no evidence, Trump blames DEI for deadly midair collision.
During the press conference, CNN bannered their coverage withIf you live in the DC area, you will see helicopters up and down the river
he saidAt this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,
he saidThis is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!
Trump wrote
It could have been."
When a reporter pressed Trump about whether he thought DEI hires played a role in the crash the president respondedI put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first,
Trump said
We don’t believe there are any survivors,
said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital