Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) accused President Donald Trump of using the midair collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C., as a distraction from his administration’s failures. Kaine criticized Trump for blaming diversity hiring for the crash, calling it “absolutely stomach-turning.”
Kaine suggested that Trump’s unfounded theory about diversity hiring was a deliberate attempt to shift focus away from questions about his administration’s policies. The senator pointed out that Trump’s decision to let Elon Musk force the FAA administrator to resign raised concerns about air safety.
Furthermore, Kaine criticized Trump for dismantling an aviation safety advisory committee within the Department of Homeland Security and offering buyouts to federal workers, including air traffic controllers, while the FAA is already dealing with a shortage of controllers.
Trump doubled down on his remarks about diversity, equity, and inclusion practices having negative effects, despite criticism. Kaine expressed concern that Trump’s comments could interfere with the investigation into the collision, but Trump dismissed these concerns.
Authorities reported that 55 of the 67 bodies from the crash have been recovered, shedding light on the tragic incident.
