Trump Criticizes Biden and Safety Measures After Deadly Collision in D.C.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters regarding Wednesday's deadly midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Eagle flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The incident occurred on January 30, 2025, and is considered the deadliest U.S. plane crash since November 2001.
Officials confirmed that no one survived the collision. The airplane had 64 passengers on board when it struck the helicopter that was preparing to land. Additionally, three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.
The situation has shifted from a rescue mission to a recovery operation, as hundreds of first responders search the Potomac River where both aircraft landed after the collision. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly noted that at least 28 bodies have been recovered to date.
President Trump initially reacted to the news via a Truth Social post after midnight, questioning why the helicopter failed to avoid the plane and why air traffic control did not provide clear instructions to the helicopter.
Trump stated, "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!" He later updated that he had been briefed on the "terrible accident."
