Trump's remarks stir controversy amid plane crash tragedy
After the passenger plane disaster, America is in mourning. However, it turns out not everyone is affected the same way. When a reporter asked Donald Trump about his plans to visit the crash site, the president responded with humor.
During a press conference at the White House, Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors in the Potomac disaster, which involved a collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter. The disaster took place on January 29, when the plane, carrying 64 people, was approaching Ronald Reagan Airport.
Reporters pressed the president for details about this tragic event that has deeply impacted public opinion in America. At one point, a reporter asked if the president planned to visit the crash site. Trump's response, marked by humor, likely surprised the journalists.
- 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? - the American president asked rhetorically.
Trump attributed the tragedy to the crew of the military Black Hawk helicopter, claiming they did not follow instructions. He also criticized the hiring 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 and criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Background of the disaster
The airplane disaster in Washington, which resulted in 67 deaths, has deeply shaken America. The passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, and both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. The father of one of the pilots suggested that a crew error on the part of the helicopter might have contributed to the crash, noting difficult weather conditions and limited visibility.
Pope Francis sent his 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. The bodies of the victims are still being recovered from the river.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the disaster, examining recordings from the control tower and flight recorders. Experts are determining whether crew errors, weather conditions, or technical failures were factors in the tragedy. The investigation is expected to take several years.
