At a White House press conference on Thursday, President Donald Trump sparred with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins after she challenged his remarks about the recent Washington, DC, air disaster. The exchange became heated when Collins questioned Trump’s decision to link diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and Democratic leadership to the crash.
“We don’t yet know the names of the 67 people [who] were killed, and you are blaming Democrats and DEI policies and air traffic control, and seemingly the member of the US military who was flying the Black Hawk helicopter. Don’t you think you’re getting ahead of the investigation right now?” Collins said.
Trump dismissed the suggestion, replying: “I don’t think so at all. I don’t think the names of the people-you mean the names of the people that are on the plane-you think that’s going to make a difference?”
When Collins followed up, asking if Trump‘s comments blaming DEI policies were comforting to the victims’ families, he responded that the White House was coordinating with American Airlines and the military to assist those affected. However, before moving on, he took a parting shot at Collins.
“I think that’s not a very smart question,” he said.
As Collins attempted to clarify that Trump was blaming air traffic controllers, he cut her off, saying: “I’m surprised coming from you.”
The clash with the CNN anchor added to the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media, particularly over sensitive issues related to government policy and public safety.
Trump points to DEI policies as a factor in the crash
The press conference came a day after American Airlines Flight 5342 tragically collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The disaster claimed 67 lives, leaving the nation in mourning.
During his address, Trump took direct aim at former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, accusing them of prioritizing political agendas over air travel safety.
He criticized changes in FAA hiring policies, arguing that past administrations lowered air traffic control standards through diversity-focused hiring programs.
“I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary,” Trump claimed. “Only the highest aptitude, the highest intellect, and psychologically superior people were allowed to qualify for air traffic controllers.”
“And then when I left office and Biden took over, he changed them back to lower than ever before. I put safety first. Obama, Biden, and the Democrats put policy first, and they put politics at a level that nobody’s ever seen because this was the lowest level.”