Trump takes executive action on aviation DEI, appointing FAA lead in wake of plane crash

President Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum to end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in the aviation sector and to assess aviation safety, as well as an executive order to appoint a new head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Trump’s new executive actions come in the wake of a deadly midair collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night between a passenger plane and a military helicopter.

Trump earlier on Thursday during a press briefing appeared to blame DEI for weakening the FAA. Later, in the Oval Office after signing the actions, he said he wasn't sure if race or gender played a role in the collision near National Airport but added that “incompetence might have played a role.”

The memorandum on DEI orders for newly minted Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the newly appointed acting FAA administrator, Christopher Rocheleau, to ensure they undo practices that may have been in place during the Biden administration around hiring.

“In other words, competence,” Trump said, stressing that competence will be promoted over DEI initiatives in the aviation sector with his latest action.

When asked whether DEI practices actually played a role in the crash the night prior, he replied, “it may have, I don’t know.”

He added, “We want the most competent people, no matter what race they are. … If they don’t have a great brain, a great power of the brain, they’re not going to be very good at what they do.”

The president said he was not aware of any performance issues with those working the air traffic control tower during the collision. When he was pressed on why he’s bringing up DEI when he’s not sure that was the cause of the collision, the president insisted that air traffic controllers have to be “brilliant.”

“I don’t like that the helicopter was at the exact same level as the airplane,” he said, referring to the Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the American Airlines jet.

The president said he will meet with some of the family members of the victims and said the names of the victims of the crash would be released “at the appropriate time.” He said the victims included young people as well as figure skaters from multiple countries.

Rocheleau takes the helm of the FAA after former Administrator Michael Whitaker resigned on Trump’s Inauguration Day. He served for just more than a year in the Biden administration in the Senate-confirmed position that typically spans a five-year term.

Topics

Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump takes executive action on aviation after crash

President Donald Trump has begun his second administration with a series of controversial moves and decisions.
ABC News - 1h
Live updates: Trump takes aim at DEI after plane crash; Gabbard pressed on Snowden

President Trump on Thursday appeared to blame diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for weakening safety following a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C. Over ...
The Hill - 3h
Senate Democrat: Trump DEI remarks in wake of DC plane crash 'stomach-turning'

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said during an interview that President Trump’s criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the wake of the plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington ...
The Hill - 4h
Trump appoints new FAA administrator after vacancy during deadly plane crash

President Trump appointed Christopher Rocheleau, a 22-year FAA veteran, as acting administrator of the agency.
CBS News - 5h
Trump speaks about D.C. plane crash, points blame at DEI

President Trump delivered remarks Thursday morning in the aftermath of the first major commercial plane crash in the U.S. in more than a decade.
CBS News - 7h
Trump attacks DEI policies at the FAA in response to D.C. crash

Trump attacks DEI policies at the FAA in response to D.C. crash
NBC News - 9h
Trump blames DEI for weakening FAA in aftermath of Reagan National plane crash

President Trump on Thursday appeared to blame diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for weakening safety following a deadly midair collision near Reagan National ...
The Hill - 9h
Trump appoints acting FAA commissioner after plane collision

President Trump announced Thursday he would appoint an acting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator in the wake of the midair crash between a passenger plane and an Army helicopter ...
The Hill - 9h
FAA executive order follows a conservative talking point on diversity in aviation

Donald Trump ordered the immediate end to diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the Federal Aviation Administration.
NBC News - 6d