Staff Reports
Blame games have started sooner than a politician can say “federal budget,” following a fatal midair collision in Washington. Instead of focusing on the tragedy that claimed the lives of all on board two aircraft, pundits from both sides of the aisle jumped right into the mud-slinging, pointing fingers without a shred of scientific evidence to back their claims.
Donald Trump, ever the lightning rod for controversy, found himself in a pickle as both a target and a counterattack specialist. His assertion that the Democrats’ obsession with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is crippling safety measures in the aviation sector is certainly making headlines. According to Trump, while he champions safety, the Democrats seem more focused on ticking boxes for political correctness, an approach he deems nothing short of reckless. This prompted him to assert that had the emphasis been on safety rather than social initiatives, perhaps the tragedy could have been avoided.
In his typical fashion, Trump was quick to connect the dots, claiming that the DEI agenda directly impacts air travel safety. He believes that pursuing inclusive policies over experienced personnel is akin to flying blind, and this classic case of “common sense” has always served him well. After all, when safety regulations are compromised in favor of political agendas, the results can be catastrophic—and Trump isn’t one to mince words on that front.
In a swift response, Pete Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary, hurled accusations at Trump for “lying” rather than providing the exemplary leadership expected in a moment of national mourning. Buttigieg touted his time in the administration, declaring that they implemented measures that dramatically reduced close calls in aviation and maintained a flawless record with zero commercial mishaps. Yet one can’t help but wonder whether he’s conveniently forgot that the statistics can often dance to the tune the dancer wants to play.
Political finger-pointing ensues after a deadly aircraft collision over the Potomac Riverhttps://t.co/9fa9hgMZuS pic.twitter.com/2yycpSu4KZ
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 31, 2025
Naturally, Democrats took their turn to retaliate, linking Trump’s federal hiring freeze to the collision. A California Congresswoman, caught on her soapbox, quickly resurrected prior complaints about Trump’s hiring policies regarding air traffic control personnel. She called for prayers for those affected while simultaneously demanding answers, because nothing says “sensitivity” like a Twitter tirade right after a disaster. Meanwhile, CNN’s Bakari Sellers jumped the gun and posted a now-infamous tweet highlighting criticism of Trump’s policies before hastily retreating, realizing that perhaps mixing politics with tragedy wasn’t the best look for his comment section.
As the circus rolls on, one thing is clear: in an era where blame is doled out quicker than candy on Halloween, it seems that common decency is the first victim of the game. Whether it’s DEI initiatives or hiring freezes, both sides are finding dark humor in a tragedy that should unite a nation in grief. Instead, they choose to weaponize their political rhetoric, because after all, what’s a catastrophe without a good ol’ fashioned blame game for both parties to enjoy?
