US ‘In Mourning’ – Trump Reacts to Washington DC Plane and Helicopter Crash Tragedy

US President Donald Trump expresses sorrow after authorities confirm no survivors in the Washington DC plane and helicopter crash. 

President Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow, stating “our hearts are shattered” following last night’s collision between a plane and a military helicopter in Washington DC. He added that the nation is currently “in mourning.”

According to officials, it is believed that there are no survivors. The American Airlines flight had 64 people on board, and the helicopter carried three individuals.

Trump criticizes the diversity policies implemented by his predecessors, claiming they led to hiring unqualified individuals for air traffic control positions; however, he does not provide any evidence to support this assertion.

Investigators are concentrating on understanding the reasons behind the helicopter’s flight path at that location. Trump also raised this issue, remarking that it was “going at an angle that was unbelievably bad.”

In an audio clip, the air traffic controllers are heard inquiring if the helicopter’s crew has visual contact with the plane.

Trump is now asked whether flying to and from DC is safe.

Trump commented that while warnings were issued, they came “very late,” emphasizing his belief that they should have been provided sooner.

Once more, he holds the helicopter pilot responsible for failing to spot the plane and avoids addressing whether the airport is safe.

When asked about other nationalities on the plane, Trump confirmed their presence and stated that an announcement would be made in one hour.

Later, a reporter asks him whether people should be hesitant to fly. He responds, “No, not at all.”

When asked about the helicopter’s training, Donald Trump responded that information would be revealed during the investigation into the incident.

“The helicopter was unfortunately positioned, leading to a tragic incident,” he says.

Another reporter is inquiring whether he could clarify details about the helicopter undertaking a “continuity of government mission.”

“I’m not sure what that refers to,” Trump says.

The president stated that the helicopter was “engaged in a practice session, which is essential.”

He adds, “It was a practice that turned out extremely poorly.”

Trump has returned to the lectern to answer questions.

A reporter asks him to clarify whether he is suggesting that diversity hiring policies contributed to the crash that occurred last night.

In response, Trump stated: “You need to rely on intelligence and mental strength for certain things.”

He asserts that his administration upholds the highest standards and contends that the previous government maintained quite the opposite.

He mentioned that an investigation will take place, emphasizing the need for air controllers to be “the brightest, smartest, sharpest, and psychologically superior” individuals.

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, now approaches the podium and states that he will “get to the bottom of this.”

“It should never have occurred,” he states, expressing his condolences to the passengers and crew who lost their lives, as well as to the three service members on a routine training mission.

“Unfortunately, an error occurred last night,” he says.

He mentioned that there appears to be an elevation issue, and the department is looking into it.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, steps up to the podium and begins by expressing gratitude for Donald Trump’s leadership.

Duffy emphasizes that ensuring safety requires hiring only the most skilled and talented individuals for positions impacting people’s lives.

The transportation secretary does not offer any specific examples to clarify his point.

He stated that the crash “should not have happened” and emphasized that Americans should “expect to reach their destination safely”.

“We will not tolerate excuses or passing the responsibility to others,” he says.

Donald Trump is increasingly speaking directly to the media as he deals with his administration’s first significant domestic incident and crisis, just ten days into his term.

Accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Trump initiated the news conference with a moment of silence for what he described as a “moment of anguish,” before proceeding to read a statement from the podium.

“We’re truly a nation in mourning,” he remarks. “This has deeply unsettled many individuals.”

It’s uncommon to witness Trump display significant emotion, but the start of his remarks today was notably different as he conveyed a message that “we’re all one family.”

He claims to have “ideas” and theories regarding what happened, but he admits that the investigation is still in its initial stages.

Trump also criticized his political opponents, specifically targeting Barack Obama for reportedly appointing “mediocre” staff to air traffic control positions that demand “superior intelligence.”

Biden, he claims, reversed the changes—elevating “politics to an unprecedented level.”

BBC