AA 5342: President Trump’s Crash Response Was Unacceptable
American Airlines subsidiary, PSA, and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided killing 67 people in Washington DC. President Trump’s response was entirely unacceptable.
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AA 5342 And Black Hawk Helicopter Crash in DC
President Trump’s Response
President Trump commented on Truth Social and rebroadcasted on X shortly after the crash was reported by news.
The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 30, 2025
This is an example of shooting from the hip foolishness and it’s the wrong answer point blank.
The only thing to say is what he later posted the next morning:
I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.
Donald…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 30, 2025
There is a duty in this situation to be cautious, to demonstrate compassion and understanding, and to enable and empower teams to do their jobs in rescue operations and investigations. It’s not more complex than that.
I can understand the curiosity, the oddity of the situation, and the feelings of upset and anger from learning of the horror that took place just short of runway 33 at DCA. But that’s no excuse. And this Trump’s second time in office with plenty of experience handling complex, tragic situations where the facts simply aren’t known when it’s time to make some sort of a statement.
Had another key leader responded in the same way, as many did, they should do so in a manner consistent with the power and prestige of their office, and the humility that they don’t yet know enough to comment on specifics.
Others Handled It Appropriately
From Secretary of Defense to fellow airlines, just about everyone else took the high road.
DoD actively monitoring. Poised to assist if needed. Prayers for all involved. https://t.co/qoFy90q22K
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 30, 2025
Imported video from Vimeo pic.twitter.com/6SkJURfh6K
— American Patriot (@TheBlueMonde) January 30, 2025
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident. pic.twitter.com/aZoUDoUzf5
— Qantas (@Qantas) January 30, 2025
Conclusion
Matthew covered this topic here and from what I can tell, we agree. There’s a time and place to discuss theories and it’s not in the moments after a horrific ordeal that took 67 lives. There were irregularities that need to be investigated. We know very little at this point in time, and while there are theories, questions, and circumstances, it’s unacceptable to respond in this manner. The tower may have been short staffed – does that mean it’s the tower’s fault? No. The Black Hawk helicopter pilot might have been at the wrong altitude, is it unequivocally their fault? Who knows. It’s a sad, unfortunate situation that should be met with reasonable skepticism and an abundance of caution and compassion. President Trump failed himself, his government, the military, the people of this great nation, and the families of all involved when a simple “thoughts and prayers” would have done.
What do you think?