Trump Under Fire After Ordering Federal Hiring Freeze Just Days Before Fatal Plane Collision

Recovery efforts in Potomac after plane/helicopter collision

America wakes up to learn a BlackHawk Army helicopter crashed into an AA plane near DCA Wednesday night. Plane carried 60 passengers, 4 crew. Helicopter had 3 personnel.

The tragic incident comes just days after President Trump overhauled the Department of Homeland, with the heads of the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard being removed from their post before their term had been completed.

Members of an aviation security advisory group had also been removed by Trump since his return to office.

Ranking Member Larsen said in a press release: "The bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 directs the Administration to hire the maximum number of air traffic controllers. That’s what the law says, so the Administration must rescind this ridiculous executive order.

"Hiring air traffic controllers is the number one safety issue according to the entire aviation industry. Instead of working to improve aviation safety and lower costs for hardworking American families, the Administration is choosing to spread bogus DEI claims to justify this decision.

"I'm not surprised by the President’s dangerous and divisive actions, but the Administration must reverse course. Let’s get back to aviation safety and allow the FAA to do its job protecting the flying public."

www.unilad.com/...

Edited first sentence that originally implied the American Airline plane hit the helicopter.