Former President Donald Trump recently drew widespread criticism after implicating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in a tragic plane crash that claimed 67 lives. During a press conference on Thursday, Trump asserted without evidence that DEI, alongside President Joe Biden, was responsible for the disaster. This claim has been met with skepticism and debunked by fact-checkers who found no connection between DEI initiatives and the incident.
"Trump sparks outcry with implication that DEI policies are at fault in DC midair collision” – NBC News
In 2015, Trump faced backlash for allegedly mocking Serge Kovaleski, a disabled reporter, during a campaign rally. This recent accusation against DEI aligns with his history of targeting marginalized groups. Trump's remarks were part of a scripted address that included various obfuscations and contradictions. Although Trump suggested DEI played a role in the crash, he later admitted to lacking evidence.
"Trump Acknowledges He Doesn’t Have Evidence DEI Caused DC Plane Crash” – Newsweek
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a diversity and inclusion hiring plan as part of its mission to ensure safe and efficient travel. Experts have consistently noted that diversity efforts have not been documented as causes of aviation accidents. The Washington Post labeled Trump's claim as "baselessly blaming diversity program for fatal air collision."
"Experts could not cite a known instance of a plane crash in which diversity efforts had been cited as the sole cause,” – New York Times
Trump's comments have been interpreted as part of a broader pattern of behavior, wherein he exaggerates the influence of his chosen scapegoats. DEI is a comprehensive term representing people of color, queer individuals, women, and persons with disabilities. By attributing the crash to DEI, Trump appears to justify retribution against those he perceives as responsible for societal issues.
"Trump takes aim, without evidence, at diversity policies over midair collision.” – Reuters
In response to Trump's baseless claims, reports emphasized that the FAA does not hire blind or deaf air traffic controllers. Fact-checkers further discredited his assertion that DEI hires were detrimental to aviation safety. Despite this, Trump maintained that diversity initiatives undermine the FAA's mission.
"The initiative is part of the FAA’s diversity and inclusion hiring plan, which says diversity is integral to achieving FAA’s mission of ensuring safe and efficient travel. I don’t think so. I don’t think so. I think it’s just the opposite.” – Donald Trump
Trump has also been accused of lacking a consistent ideology and failing to engage with substantive ideas. His remarks on DEI during the press conference were described as diversions from the factual basis of the plane crash investigation.
"Mr President,” asked one, “you have today blamed the diversity elements, but then told us that you weren’t sure that the controllers made any mistake. You then said perhaps the helicopter pilots were the ones who made the mistake.” – A reporter