US President Donald Trump arrives at the White House to speak about the mid-air crash between American Airlines flight 5342 and a military helicopter in Washington. Photo: AFP/ Oliver Contreras
US President Donald Trump has blamed diversity policies that were introduced under Barack Obama and Joe Biden for poor safety standards after a deadly crash in which a military helicopter collided with a passenger plane over Washington.
"I put safety first. Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first," Trump said on Thursday US time. "They actually came out with a directive: 'too white.' And we want the people that are competent."
Crews search the Potomac river. Photo: AFP / Andrew Caballero-Reynolds
CNN reported that without evidence, Trump appeared to blame a diversity push by the US Federal Aviation Authority for the crash:
"I do want to point out that various articles that appeared prior to my entering office. And here's one: the FAA diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing," CNN reported Trump said.
"And then it says FAA says people with severe disabilities are most underrepresented segment of the workforce, said they want them in, and they want them - they can be air traffic controllers. I don't think so. This was January 14, so that was a week before I entered office.
"They put a big push to put diversity into the FAA program."
Trump officials have indicated he plans to sign orders ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and to proclaim that the US government recognises only two sexes.
- AFP/ CNN
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