Fatal DC Midair Collision Kills 67, Investigation Ongoing

A midair collision between an American Eagle flight and a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport resulted in the presumed deaths of all 67 people aboard. Senator Ted Cruz urged caution against speculating on the crash's causes before the National Transportation Safety Board completes its investigation, while President Trump suggested diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at the FAA might have contributed to the incident. Cruz's podcast echoed concerns over air traffic controller staffing and errors, while lawmakers warned against politicizing the tragedy. As the investigation unfolds, conspiracy theories have proliferated on social media, with some alleging deliberate actions surrounding the crash. Trump and other officials have criticized DEI initiatives as potentially detrimental to aviation safety, stating a preference for merit-based hiring. The FAA is under scrutiny as these discussions gain traction in the wake of this significant aviation disaster.