In the wake of a tragic plane crash, President Donald Trump took to the White House press room to express condolences, but quickly shifted to his usual combative style.
While acknowledging the tragedy, Trump used the opportunity to criticize diversity programs, especially in hiring practices for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), without providing any direct evidence linking them to the crash.
He speculated that the lower hiring standards for air traffic controllers during the Obama and Biden administrations could be a factor.
Trump has long been a vocal critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and his team has made it a priority to undo them.
Despite the investigation into the crash being in its early stages, Trump suggested that DEI hiring practices might have affected air traffic controller quality. This was despite the FAA’s insistence that all new hires meet rigorous qualifications.
Trump’s remarks, though not based on facts, were part of his broader strategy to point fingers and criticize opponents, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Critics, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Buttigieg himself, slammed Trump’s comments as irresponsible.
While Trump’s statements were speculative, it’s clear that he sees such national tragedies as opportunities to advance his political agenda and challenge his opponents.
BBC reports that Trump’s eagerness to speak on such matters, even before all facts are known, shows his unshaken drive to stir controversy.
His remarks were criticized for not focusing on the victims or supporting the investigation, but rather for pushing a political agenda and fueling division.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpvmdm1m7m9o