In a briefing that recalled his most extreme first term remarks, President Trump said without any evidence that diversity initiatives caused the midair collision.

A midair collision near D.C. has raised concerns over FAA staffing, prompting scrutiny of air traffic control and aviation safety oversight.

There is no evidence that diversity efforts played a role in the crash, and his statements disregarded his own administration’s hiring policies.

An American Airlines regional jet went down in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, with no survivors expected amid the extremely cold and windy conditions.

President Trump on Thursday blamed diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and Democrats for the deadly plane crash in Washington, saying unqualified individuals were put into critical aviation safety positions.

President Donald Trump on Thursday took executive action to address FAA hires and aviation safety after an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a passenger jet in D.C.

The president started as "consoler-in-chief" as he addressed the nation, but quickly pivoted into political blame, writes the BBC's.