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We dont know, Trump said later.
The helicopter was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a tragedy occurred.
Asked why he thinks that DEI is to blame, Trump said it was because he had common sense.
Donald Trump speaks with reporters Thursday after the D.C. plane crashChip Somodevilla/Getty Images
There are likely no survivors.
Investigators have not determined fault, as the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Trump today also continuously blamed Biden and even Barack Obama for their safety standards.
Im not blaming the controller, Trump said.
It was there for the entirety of your administration, too.
So my question is, why didnt you change the policy during your first administration?
Thats not a very smart question, Trump said.
Im surprised coming from you.
Trump insisted that he had made reforms to FAA safety standards since coming to office.
He also fired the heads of the Transportation Security Administration and Coast Guard.
Trump today named Christopher Rocheleau as acting commissioner of the agency.
The FAA director, Michael Whitaker, resigned on January 20, the day of Trumps inauguration.
Whitaker had clashed with Elon Musk, who is heading up the White Houses Department of Government Efficiency.
But frankly the president is getting out ahead of his skis here.
Buttigieg responded to Trumps remarks, writing on X, Despicable.
As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying.
President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA.
