Chicago January 31, 2025
President Donald Trump is facing backlash from civil rights leaders and disability rights advocates after suggesting that diversity initiatives may have contributed to a recent deadly plane crash. Trump made the comments at a White House press conference, where he expressed condolences to the families of the 67 people killed in the collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane.
Trump pointed to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the problem. He also stated that jobs should be done by “naturally talented geniuses” and criticized the Biden administration for allowing people with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities to work for the FAA.
Civil rights leaders were quick to condemn Trump’s comments, calling them “offensive and wrong.” Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said that blaming diversity initiatives for the crash is misguided and ignores the value of diversity in making the nation stronger.
