Trump's response to Potomac tragedy sparks controversy
Following the passenger plane disaster, America is in mourning. However, it appears not all are. When a reporter asked Donald Trump if he planned to visit the crash site, the president began making jokes.
During a press conference at the White House, Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors of the Potomac disaster, which involved the collision of an American Airlines plane with a military helicopter. The disaster occurred on January 29, when the plane, carrying 64 people, was approaching Ronald Reagan Airport.
Reporters questioned the president about the details of this tragic event, which shook public opinion across America. At one point, a question arose about whether the president was going to the crash site. As Trump began answering, journalists likely wondered if they had heard correctly. The president made jokes in such a serious context.
- I have a plan to visit, not the site. Because you tell me, what’s the site? The water ? You want me to go swimming? - asked the American president rhetorically.
Trump blamed the military Black Hawk helicopter crew for the tragedy, claiming they did not follow instructions. He also criticized the employment of individuals with "severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions" as air traffic controllers. He promised to restore confidence in American aviation while criticizing his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Background of the disaster
The airplane disaster in Washington, which claimed 67 lives, shook America. The passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, and both crashed into the Potomac River. The father of one of the pilots suggested a crew error on the part of the helicopter might have been the cause, pointing to challenging weather conditions and limited visibility.
Pope Francis sent condolences to U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing spiritual closeness to those affected by the tragedy. In a telegram, he emphasized prayers for the victims and support for those involved in the rescue operation. Bodies of the victims are still being retrieved from the river.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the disaster, analyzing recordings from the control tower and flight recorders. Experts are examining whether crew errors, weather conditions, or technical failures caused the tragedy. The investigation may take several years.
