During his Thursday press conference about the deadly Wednesday collision between a passenger jet and military helicopter near Reagan National Airport, President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested there was a link between the tragedy and diversity hiring policies at the Federal Aviation Administration.

The president's comments upset some disability advocates, including the Philadelphia advocacy group Vision For Equality.

President Trump appointed Christopher Rocheleau, a 22-year FAA veteran, as acting administrator of the agency.

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

Musk has publicly clashed with the FAA and its former chief, Michael Whitaker. The Federal Aviation Administration is facing its first major aviation disaster in 16 years without a leader because Elon Musk helped push him out.

While that office may be ready to go to work, the FAA itself is not fully on the job. That’s because it’s without an administrator. Michael Whitaker, who had led the administration since Oct., 2023, stepped down earlier this month,

President Donald Trump on Thursday blasted the Federal Aviation Administration's DEI standards at a press conference addressing Wednesday night's deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C.

Trump offered no evidence that diversity hiring practices contributed to the fatal plane and helicopter collision.

Trump said he didn't know what caused the crash but "we have some very strong opinions and ideas."

It appears that the first major air disaster in the U.S. since 2009 has occurred while the Federal Aviation Administration does not have a permanent leader.

Aspiring air traffic controller speaks out following deadly collision between American Airlines flight 5342 and helicopter in Washington