‘Blame Trump’: Critics hold president responsible after deadly midair collision over Potomac River

Trump’s federal hiring freeze and aviation security changes come under scrutiny after a fatal midair crash near D.C.

President Donald Trump is facing increasing criticism following a deadly midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. 

The crash occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and has raised concerns about the potential safety risks associated with the president’s recent federal hiring freeze.

The incident involved American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet en route from Wichita, Kansas, and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk military helicopter, which was on a training flight. Both aircraft collided and fell into the Potomac River, resulting in multiple confirmed fatalities. The exact number of victims is still unclear, as rescue operations continue. Authorities have described the recovery efforts as complex due to challenging weather conditions at the crash site.

In the aftermath of the crash, critics of President Trump have pointed to his January 20 executive order freezing the hiring of federal civilian employees, including air traffic controllers. The order, which aims to reduce the size of the federal government, has raised questions about its potential impact on air safety. The hiring freeze applies to all vacant civilian federal positions, but there are exceptions for roles related to national security, public safety, and immigration enforcement. It remains unclear whether air traffic controllers are considered public safety personnel under this order.

You deleted the post because dozens of Americans are currently being fished out of the Potomac, and rather than have reverence for the victims, you chose to dishonestly (and despicably) blame @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/djduf7OqE3

— Chet Cannon (@Chet_Cannon) January 30, 2025

Several Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns, arguing that freezing the hiring of safety-critical positions, such as air traffic controllers, could jeopardize the safety of the nation’s airspace. On January 22, Representative Rick Larsen of Washington and Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, both senior members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, condemned the freeze. They expressed worries that it could lead to a shortage of necessary personnel to manage air traffic, especially as air traffic volumes increase.

In addition to the hiring freeze, reports indicate that Trump recently made significant personnel changes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These included firing the heads of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard before the end of their terms. On January 21, Trump also eliminated all members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, a group created to advise on aviation safety. Although the committee technically still exists, it has no members to carry out its work, raising further concerns about the effectiveness of aviation safety oversight.

Trump fired 400 FAA senior officials, the TSA head, and 3,000 air traffic controllers just 8 days ago. Policy choices have consequences.

Today, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Blackhawk over the Potomac, killing 65 Americans.

This is the Trump #PlaneCrash  #AA5342 pic.twitter.com/0LMCg3jeQD

— The News Deak (@TheNewsDeskLive) January 30, 2025

While the cause of the collision is still under investigation, early reports suggest that air traffic controllers directed both the American Airlines flight and the Black Hawk helicopter toward the same airspace shortly before the crash. Less than 30 seconds before the collision, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter crew if they could see the incoming plane.

Emergency responders are continuing their efforts to recover wreckage from the Potomac River. Despite challenging conditions, authorities remain focused on the search, though Fire Chief John Donnelly has indicated that the likelihood of finding survivors is low.

As investigations into the crash continue, the debate over the implications of President Trump’s executive orders and personnel changes is expected to remain a focal point of public and political discourse.