President Trump response on the cause of the crash

Source: Win McNamee / Getty

President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on the crash between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter in Washington, DC. Trump stated that the incident should have been prevented.

Trump criticized the actions of the helicopter and the control tower, questioning why the helicopter did not change its course.

“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” he wrote on Truth Social. “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 control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. “This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!!”

Duffy confirmed that both aircraft had been located, and a federal investigation was underway.

The crash occurred as the plane was descending to the runway at Ronald Reagan National Airport, resulting in a multi-agency search-and-rescue operation with no survivors expected.

Trump expressed condolences for the victims in a late-night post on Truth Social.

“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.”