Trump Under Fire After Ordering Federal Hiring Freeze Just Days Before Fatal American Airlines Collision

President Donald Trump is currently facing criticism after announcing a Federal hiring freeze days before a tragic American Airlines crash took place.

The nation was left stunned when an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a BlackHawk US Army military helicopter near Washington D.C., around 9pm on a Wednesday night. This horrific accident occurred as Flight 5342 was nearing its landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The collision resulted in both aircrafts plummeting into the Potomac River.

The crash claimed the lives of 19 people, as bodies were recovered from the river amidst the ongoing search efforts the following Thursday. Those on board the aircraft included 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter carried three personnel.

This devastating event follows significant changes made by President Trump to the Department of Homeland Security, which included the removal of the Transportation Security Administration and Coast Guard leaders before their terms were set to conclude. Additionally, several members of an aviation security advisory group have also been dismissed since Trump’s tenure.

Ranking Member Larsen has expressed his concerns, emphasizing, “The bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 mandates the hiring of the maximum number of air traffic controllers. The Administration needs to retract this imprudent executive order. Hiring air traffic controllers is a core safety concern universally recognized by the aviation sector.”

The hiring freeze, however, doesn’t specifically target air traffic controllers, although many have speculated a direct connection. UNILAD has reached out to The White House seeking comment on the freeze and its potential impacts.

Following the tragic event, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed his deep condolences. In a message to UNILAD, American Airlines stated, “American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, D.C. was involved in an incident at the destination airport. Operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700 aircraft, we are in touch with authorities and aiding emergency response efforts.”

Learning More About the American Airlines Plane Crash

Possible Causes of the Crash

The precise reasons behind the collision remain uncertain, with the recovery and analysis of black boxes from both the helicopter and plane expected to provide crucial information. The crash happened as the plane approached Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Victims of the American Airlines Flight

US Figure Skating has disclosed that several athletes and coaches were on board the ill-fated flight. Renowned figure skating coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were reportedly among those on board.

Up to now, 19 bodies have been retrieved from the Potomac River, with no survivors reported from the crash.

President Trump’s Response to the Crash

Describing the crash as a “bad situation” that could have been avoided, President Trump took to Truth Social, questioning aviation protocols. “On a clear night with visible plane lights, why didn’t the helicopter maneuver differently? Why wasn’t there more guidance from the control tower? This is an unfortunate incident that seemed preventable.”

Release of Dispatcher Audio

The release of air traffic control audio offers insight into the chaotic moments following the collision. The recording captures a man’s voice detailing the event: “The accident occurred in the river. Both aircrafts ended up in the water after a visible fireball.”

Update on the Rescue Efforts

During a press briefing, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly admitted that rescue teams face significant challenges due to adverse conditions. “Wind, ice in the water, and darkness complicate our search efforts,” he noted. “These challenging conditions make it a painstaking task for divers to cover every area.”