A fatal mid-air collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., has prompted serious questions regarding the Trump administration’s aviation policies and the recent restructuring of relevant federal agencies. Officials describe the incident as the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. in over two decades.
The crash has raised concerns about air traffic control and oversight, particularly in light of recent changes in federal aviation leadership.
Days before the crash, President Trump significantly reorganized federal aviation agencies. This included the removal of the TSA administrator, David Pekoske, and the disbanding of a key aviation security advisory group. The FAA also lacked permanent leadership at the time of the accident, following the departure of its head who clashed with Elon Musk. Whitaker assumed the role in October 2023.
While not directly linked to the crash, the changes have fueled existing concerns about the need for modernization of U.S. air traffic control systems. The FAA has long faced funding and staffing challenges, hindering upgrades and safety improvements.
“President Trump now oversees the military and the FAA,” stated former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “One of his first acts was to dismiss key personnel responsible for aviation safety. It’s time for the President to demonstrate leadership and explain how he’ll prevent future incidents.”
“In the 10 days since Trump’s inauguration, his administration halted the hiring of air traffic controllers, weakened key air safety measures, and dismissed FAA leadership to benefit Musk’s business interests,” declared MoveOn in a statement. “As we investigate this tragedy, Trump, his allies, and his administration must end their attacks on public services crucial for our safety.”
On January 21st, following Trump’s inauguration, members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee were informed that the DHS would eliminate all advisory committees as part of a resource management initiative. This committee, established after the 1988 PanAm 103 bombing, had provided crucial safety recommendations. Although technically still existing, its lack of members effectively halts its operations.
“I hope someone asks President Trump why he eliminated the aviation safety board, an advisory board at the Department of Homeland Security,” said Senator Tim Kaine on CNN. “The order claimed it wasn’t aligned with national security. It’s absurd to suggest air safety isn’t connected to national security.”
Following the collision, Trump announced a review of aviation safety protocols and appointed Chris Rocheleau, former COO of the National Business Aviation Association, as acting FAA commissioner.
Initially, Trump attributed the crash to diversity initiatives, without providing evidence, suggesting they weakened air traffic control. He stated in a press briefing that diversity “could” have contributed, citing “common sense.” He also implied that FAA policies under previous presidents contributed to the crash, despite the ongoing investigation.
Officials reported that the Army helicopter, on a routine training flight, collided with the commercial airliner approaching Reagan National Airport. Investigators are analyzing air traffic control communications, radar data, and witness accounts to determine the cause.